LA PAZ: Supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales are holding no less than 200 troopers hostage, the Overseas Ministry mentioned Saturday (Nov 2), as their standoff with the state continues to escalate.
Three army items in Chapare province had been “assaulted by irregular teams” on Friday, with the assailants “taking greater than 200 army personnel hostage” from three barracks, the ministry mentioned.
“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 forestall his arrest on what he calls trumped-up costs aimed 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 studies Friday had talked about solely 20 troopers being detained.
A video broadcast Friday confirmed 16 troopers surrounded by protesters holding pointed sticks.
“They’ve lower off our water, electrical energy and are conserving us hostage,” a uniformed man is heard saying.
