NICARAGUA -- At midnight Thursday, the entire nation of Nicaragua will begin a strike, closing businesses and schools for at least 24 hours.​

  • Nicaraguans to begin strike to protest government
  • Strike will last at least 24 hours
  • 150 killed in nation over past 2 mos. over protests

Nearly 150 people have already been killed in Nicaragua in the past two months in the midst of large protests against the government.

On social media, citizens are using the hashtag #SOSNicaragua, as a plea to the rest of the world.

On Tuesday in the city of Leon, Nicaragua, a 24-hour citywide strike by the citizens made the streets look like a ghost town.

Just two weeks ago, more than a dozen people died in shootings that erupted around protests on Mothers' Day in Nicaragua, May 30, many of them shot by government snipers.

Since mid-April the country has experienced clashes between forces loyal to President Daniel Ortega and opposition groups demanding his removal.

Earlier this month a U.S. citizen Sixto Henry Vera was found shot to death in the capital city of Managua.

Time magazine reports Nicaragua is "heading down the same dark path as Venezuela."

 A pastor in Nicacragua spoke with Spectrum News13.

He says a 15-year-old member of one of his churches was shot and killed during the Mothers’ Day in March.

Just two days ago, a Pastor friend of his from Leon had some of his family members kidnapped.

"They were at a collections center. Many of (them) are bringing food and first aid material, and they were attacked. Their house was destroyed -- they were kidnapped," he said.

He also says you can help his country by praying, donating, and reaching out to your US representatives and Senators about imposing sanctions on the regime.