Protesters seize 3 military camps, take Bolivian soldiers hostage

Supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales stormed the barracks on November 1 and took about 20 soldiers hostage.

The Bolivian army issued a statement on November 1 saying that “unofficial armed groups” had captured soldiers and taken weapons and ammunition from barracks in Chapare province, central Bolivia, AFP reported.

Bolivian President Luis Arce on the same day accused armed groups supporting former President Morales of occupying three military barracks, affirming that this was an "act of treason and an insult to the constitution".

Bolivian police fired tear gas into protesters on November 1.

In a video posted by Bolivian media, 16 soldiers at the barracks were surrounded by protesters. Meanwhile, a Bolivian military source told AFP that “about 20 soldiers” had been taken hostage.

Tensions escalated when three weeks ago, Bolivian prosecutors opened an investigation into allegations that Mr. Morales fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl in 2016. The former Bolivian president refused to testify in court, calling the accusations false and referring to a similar investigation that ended in 2020 due to lack of evidence.

After the court announced that an arrest warrant might be issued, Evo Morales took refuge in Chapare. Since then, Morales’ supporters have protested and blocked many roads. On October 30, incumbent President Arce demanded that protesters stop blocking roads, otherwise the government “will exercise its constitutional right to protect the Bolivian people.”

Mr. Morales served as president from 2006 to 2019. He resigned after an election in which he won but was followed by massive protests and allegations of electoral fraud.

At least 61 police officers and nine civilians have been injured in clashes in recent days. Bolivian President Luis Arce estimated that the protesters' blockades could cause economic damage of more than $1.7 billion.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-bieu-tinh-chiem-3-trai-linh-bat-binh-si-bolivia-lam-con-tin-185241102090154987.htm