Armed group takes 200 soldiers hostage in Bolivia, govt calls them supporters of ex-President Evo Morales

Tensions in Bolivia continued to escalate after an armed group took control of a military post in the central region, holding more than 200 soldiers hostage. On Friday, the Bolivian military confirmed that an “irregular armed group” had kidnapped military personnel and seized weapons and ammunition from the base situated near the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba.

The Bolivian Foreign Ministry later stated that more than 200 military personnel had been taken hostage during the whole ordeal. Amid the chaos, Bolivian president Luis Arce said that the armed group was “affiliated” with former president Evo Morales. However, he did not provide any evidence to support his allegation. Meanwhile, Morales is yet to comment on the matter.

As the rebel group barged into the military barracks, the armed forces urged the group to leave the region “immediately and peacefully,” emphasizing that these actions would be “considered treason to the country.” The incident joins the list of all the unrest that has jolted the nation before Morales and Arce clash ahead of the 2025 election.

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Morales’ supporters cause rampage 

In recent weeks, Morales’ supporters have set up blockades on major highways across the country, including in Cochabamba. The demonstration came in reaction to the government’s decision to launch human trafficking charges against Morales.

The blockade which was described by the Bolivian police as “violent” has led to a shortage of food and fuel in several major cities across the country. As the tussle between Morales and the government continues, both sides traded accusations over an exchange that occurred in Cochabamba last weekend.

Bolivian Minister of Government Eduardo Del Castillo alleged that individuals in a car carrying Morales opened fire on police while trying to evade a checkpoint set up to deter drug trafficking. However, the former president denied the accusation and claimed the government was trying to assassinate him by firing at his vehicle.

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With inputs from agencies.