An armed group in central Bolivia has taken control of a military post and is holding over 200 military personnel hostage. The Bolivian military reported on Friday that this “irregular armed group” kidnapped personnel and seized weapons and ammunition from the base located near Cochabamba.
President Luis Arce claimed that the armed group was “affiliated” with former President Evo Morales but did not provide evidence to support this assertion. CNN has reached out to Morales’ team for a statement.
The armed forces have urged the group to evacuate the barracks “immediately and peacefully,” warning that such actions would be viewed as “treason to the country.” This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing unrest in Bolivia, as tensions rise between Morales and Arce ahead of the 2025 elections.
Recently, supporters of Morales have established blockades on major highways, including in Cochabamba, in response to the government announcing human trafficking charges against him. The Bolivian police described these blockades as involving “violent armed groups,” which have caused food and fuel shortages in several cities.
The government has also accused Morales of involvement in a violent incident that occurred in Cochabamba over the weekend. Minister of Government Eduardo Del Castillo claimed that people in a vehicle associated with Morales opened fire on police during an attempt to navigate a drug-trafficking checkpoint. Morales has denied these allegations, accusing the government of attempting to orchestrate his assassination.
CNN has reached out to Bolivian authorities for further details regarding the situation at the military base.
Credit: CNN
