Water Protectors Call For Urgent Back-Up As Military Crosses Barricade Towards Protester Camps

By Jess Murray Truth Theory

Despite numerous protests at the end of last year causing US Army Corps of Engineers to stop the pipeline drilling at Standing Rock, water protectors claim that the project has merely been delayed, and the building of the pipeline could commence this year.

Consistent protestors, including Anneloes Smitsman, are calling for increased support and awareness for the issue surrounding the building of the pipeline, that many believed to have been obliterated. In a Facebook post with the aim of spreading awareness about the ongoing crisis, Smitsman said, “All this is happening because the water protectors remain in their right to protect the Land and Water Resources held sacred by them, for us and on behalf of the Future Generations.”

She went on to describe the reasons behind the higher authorities in the building of the pipeline. She said, “This is taking place because the companies behind Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL) refuse to abide by the legal process now in place that requires a proper Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report, including honouring of the Treaty Rights, before permits can be provided for the completion of their project. They are now losing money because in their arrogance they expected being able to bully their way through and manipulate authorities to give into their demands to deliver on agreements for oil supply to shippers before receiving the formal permits required.”

Also stated in the Facebook post was an urgent call for back up, as Smitsman stated that the military had “crossed barricades toward camp”, at a time when many water protectors were away at fundraisers and protests in other areas, meaning that they are choosing to “attack at a time of least resistance” .

Smitsman also posted a video of the scene which portrays panic, worry and violence, showing many people running around and even someone shouting “I can’t breathe”.

A full article was recently written which conveys updates of what is happening and the political reasons behind it, claiming that, “Understanding the “precarious” financial and legal situation of the DAPL (Dakota Access Pipeline) project can assist those attempting to put pressure on banks and large institutions to divest from fossil fuel investments”.

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Written by: Jess Murray

Jess Murray is a wildlife conservationist and writer who has spent a lot of time working and studying in South Africa. She is now striving to spread awareness about global conservation issues and the truth behind faux conservation facilities throughout the world. Read More stories by Jess Murray