Evo Morales Supporters Take Soldiers Hostage in Bolivia

Supporters of former Bolivian President Evo Morales have stormed military barracks in the Chapare region, taking around 20 soldiers hostage and escalating tensions with the government. This hostage situation follows nearly three weeks of roadblocks by Morales's supporters, aimed at preventing his arrest on what he claims are fabricated rape charges linked to a relationship with a minor. The Bolivian Armed Forces labeled the situation as a kidnapping by 'irregular armed groups' and condemned the actions as treasonous. President Luis Arce has demanded an end to the blockades and warned that the government may use constitutional powers to restore order. Morales, who served from 2006 to 2019, has denied the allegations against him and continues to assert his intent to challenge Arce for the MAS party's nomination in the 2025 elections. The unrest reflects deep political divisions in Bolivia, exacerbated by accusations of electoral fraud and ongoing social protests.