OTTAWA, Ontario — Hundreds of police in riot gear have swept through the streets of Canada’s besieged capital in the largest police operation in the country’s history, arresting or driving out protesters, towing away their trucks and finally retaking control of the streets in front of Parliament.
With protesters in clear retreat, the end of the three-week protest against the country’s COVID-19 restrictions and the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared to be in sight.
Interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell says police are in control of the situation on the ground and are continuing to push forward to take control the streets. He says they will work around the clock until that happens.
Police had been brought in from across the country to help in the clearance operation, officials said.
Around midday Saturday, protest organizers said they had ordered truckers to move away from Parliament Hill.
Some 170 people were arrested Friday and Saturday and multiple investigations had been launched because of weapons seizures.
