An armed group has seized control of a military post in central Bolivia, according to a statement released by the country's armed forces on Friday. The group, described as an 'irregular armed group,' reportedly kidnapped military personnel and confiscated weapons and ammunition from a base near the city of Cochabamba.
Bolivian President Luis Arce has alleged that the armed group is 'affiliated' with former president Evo Morales, although no evidence has been provided to support this claim. The military has called on the group to vacate the barracks 'immediately and peacefully,' warning that failure to do so would be considered treason.
This incident marks a concerning escalation in the ongoing unrest in Bolivia, particularly as tensions rise between Morales and Arce in the lead-up to the 2025 election. Recent weeks have seen Morales' supporters setting up blockades on major highways, including in Cochabamba, in response to human trafficking charges brought against Morales by the government.
These blockades, which have been described as involving 'violent armed groups' by Bolivian police, have resulted in shortages of essential supplies such as food and fuel in some cities. Additionally, accusations have been exchanged between Morales and the government regarding a recent incident in Cochabamba.
Bolivian Minister of Government Eduardo Del Castillo has accused individuals in a vehicle carrying Morales of opening fire on police while attempting to evade a checkpoint aimed at preventing drug trafficking. Morales, on the other hand, has refuted these allegations and accused the government of plotting his assassination by firing at his vehicle.
