Armed group in Bolivia takes over military facility

2/11/2024 5:48

        An armed group in Bolivia took
        control of a military facility near the city of Cochabamba while
        taking some soldiers captive, the country's armed forces said in
        a statement on Friday.
        
        Cochabamba, located in central Bolivia, is home to many
        supporters of former President Evo Morales.
        
        The statement described the armed group as "irregular,"
        noting it had also taken control of firearms and ammunition, and
        stressed that such actions amounted to treason.
        
        It urged those responsible for the takeover to
        "immediately and peacefully" abandon the facility.
        
        The seizure of the military outpost is seen as a
        response to efforts earlier this week by security forces under
        the control of President Luis Arce to dislodge highway blockades
        organized by supporters of Morales.
        
        The two leftist leaders, both with roots in Bolivia's
        ruling socialist party, have since become bitter rivals.