Bolivian Military Installation Captured, Soldiers Held Captive

Bolivia’s foreign ministry has reported that armed individuals supporting the nation’s former president, Evo Morales, are holding at least 200 soldiers hostage. On Friday, the Bolivian military confirmed that the armed group had gained control of a military facility located near the city of Cochabamba. In an updated statement, Bolivia’s foreign ministry indicated that the group had “seized weapons and ammunition,” further noting that “irregular groups” had “assaulted” three military units. Local television channels broadcast images showing a line of soldiers with their hands behind their backs, surrounded by members of the armed group. Cochabamba, situated in central Bolivia, is known for having a substantial number of the former president’s supporters. Local media outlets reported that shortly after the group took over the facility, the military announced the evacuation of its personnel and their families. The Bolivian news agency ANF stated that one of the soldiers detained in the facility sent a message to his command centre, conveying that the group was demanding authorities cease interfering with blockades. For 19 days, Morales’ supporters have established blockades across the country, calling for an end to an investigation into the former president regarding alleged statutory rape and human trafficking, accusations which he denies. On Sunday, Morales shared a video depicting his car being shot at, an incident he described as an “assassination attempt” against him. The Bolivian government rejected Morales’ assertions that it had ordered a targeted attack on him. Earlier this year, his supporters had engaged in confrontations with followers of his rival, current President Luis Arce, on multiple occasions. Both men intend to run as candidates for the ruling Mas party in the country’s 2025 presidential elections. Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, was declared the winner of the 2019 election but resigned weeks later following nationwide protests triggered by claims of election fraud. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.