Bolivia is experiencing massive security operations due to its worst economic crisis in four decades. About 3,500 police and soldiers used tear gas to crack down on protesters blocking key roads to the metropolis of La Paz in at least 22 locations across the country on Saturday.
In Bolivia, there were clashes on Saturday between police, soldiers and protesters who blocked roads leading to the capital La Paz. The Ombudsman’s office said that at least 57 people were detained, TASR reports, according to an AFP report.
- There have been violent clashes between police, soldiers and protesters in Bolivia.
- At least 57 people were detained during Saturday’s large-scale raids by security forces.
- The security forces opened the humanitarian corridor, which the government described as a great success.
Police operations during protests
In the last two weeks, teachers, workers in the transport sector, indigenous people and other groups of Bolivians have repeatedly protested for increased salaries, economic stability and a halt to the privatization of state-owned companies.
According to local media reports, around 3,500 police and soldiers were involved in the operation, which began on Saturday morning. They also used tear gas on the demonstrators. The government’s Highways Administration said roads were blocked in at least 22 locations across the country on Saturday.
AFP explains that Bolivia is facing the biggest economic crisis in the last four decades. After his election victory last year, President Rodrigo Paz promised to end this crisis, but according to the agency, he is still under a lot of pressure.
Lack of food and medicine
Protests over the past two weeks have caused a shortage of supplies of food, medicine and other products to the metropolis of La Paz. The government began importing emergency food and medical supplies by air from May 10 to bypass road blockades.
The Argentine government announced on Saturday that it had sent a C-130 military aircraft to Bolivia to support those efforts.
The goal of Saturday’s operation by security forces was to open a humanitarian corridor so that food, medicine and oxygen for hospitals could reach La Paz, presidential spokesman José Luis Gálvez said. According to him, the government is “more than satisfied” with the result of the operation.
