Bolivian Foreign Ministry: supporters of Evo Morales took over 200 military hostage

Supporters of ex-Bolivian President Evo Morales, who on November 1 seized three military installations in Chapare in the department of Cochabamba, took over 200 military personnel hostage, the Bolivian Foreign Ministry reports.

“The day before, three military installations were stormed by irregular forces in Chapare in the department of Cochabamba, and more than 200 military personnel were taken hostage,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

 The Bolivian government believes that Morales' appeal to supporters to take a break from blocking roads and his hunger strike is "a ploy aimed at reducing damage to the reputation of the protest leader." In reality, this will not happen, the country's authorities are sure.

 Supporters of ex-President Morales, who are protesting against the policies of the Arce administration, have been blocking roads in Bolivia for 20 days. The damage from their actions exceeded $1.7 billion. During clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers, more than 60 police officers were injured.

On November 1, law enforcement officers and the military began an operation to clear roads in Cochabamba. Over 60 people were detained. Morales' supporters used dynamite sticks against the police.