LA PAZ: Supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales are holding a minimum of 200 troopers hostage, the Overseas Ministry stated Saturday (Nov 2), as their standoff with the state continues to escalate.
Three army models in Chapare province have been “assaulted by irregular teams” on Friday, with the assailants “taking greater than 200 army personnel hostage” from three barracks, the ministry stated.
“They seized weapons and ammunition,” it added.
Backers of Morales, the nation’s first Indigenous chief, started blocking roads three weeks in the past to stop his arrest on what he calls trumped-up fees geared toward thwarting his political comeback.
The federal government had despatched troops to the realm in Cochabamba division to assist police in clearing the roadblocks.
Early reviews Friday had talked about solely 20 troopers being detained.
A video broadcast Friday confirmed 16 troopers surrounded by protesters holding pointed sticks.
“They’ve reduce off our water, electrical energy and are holding us hostage,” a uniformed man is heard saying.
