Armed supporters of Bolivia’s former president Evo Morales have reportedly taken control of a military post near Cochabamba, holding at least 200 soldiers hostage, according to the country’s foreign ministry.
On Friday, the military confirmed that armed groups had seized the facility, capturing weapons and ammunition in the process. Reports indicated that three military units were attacked by these irregular forces.
Local television broadcast images showing rows of soldiers with their hands bound, surrounded by members of the armed group. Cochabamba, located in central Bolivia, is known for having a strong support base for Morales.
Following the takeover, the military announced the evacuation of personnel and their families from the area. One soldier managed to communicate with his command center, stating that the armed group was demanding an end to government interference with blockades that have been in place across the country for the past 19 days. These blockades are a response to an ongoing investigation into Morales for alleged statutory rape and human trafficking—charges he denies.
In a related incident, Morales shared a video over the weekend claiming that his car had been shot at, which he described as an assassination attempt. The Bolivian government dismissed these claims, denying any involvement in a targeted attack against him.
Earlier this year, clashes had erupted between Morales’ supporters and those of current President Luis Arce, as both leaders prepare to run as candidates for the ruling MAS party in the upcoming 2025 presidential elections. Morales, who served as president from 2006 until 2019, resigned amid widespread protests following allegations of election fraud shortly after being declared the winner of the 2019 election.