New Tactic for Morales Supporters to Fight the Bolivian Government

TEHRAN (Defapress) - In protest against the government's performance, the number of vandalisms on Bolivian roads has increased, and the situation has worsened after the failure of a new police-military operation to reopen the main road between La Paz and Oruro.

According to the Bolivian Highways Agency, 59 roadblocks were recorded in six regions of the country on Sunday. The most blockages were reported in the Andes regions of La Paz, Oruro, and Potosi, with blockages also reported in Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, and Santa Cruz. The only regions without roadblocks are Beni, Pando, and Tarija. However, the protests have practically taken over the western part of the country, especially the cities of La Paz and Alto. In these areas, problems with the supply of goods and rising prices for raw materials, fuel, and medical supplies have been reported.

The protesters are demanding the resignation of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and criticizing the deteriorating economic and social situation in the country. The protests are being led by rural sectors of the country, trade unions affiliated with the Bolivian Workers' Union, and groups supporting former President Evo Morales.

On Saturday, June 2, the operation to reopen the La Paz-Oruro route failed. Police and military forces tried to open a humanitarian corridor on the 227-kilometer highway between La Paz and Oruro by raising "white flags". The operation aimed to allow hundreds of stranded trucks to pass and transport food, fuel, and medicine.

But this attempt also failed. According to the AFE news agency and local media, protesters resisted the advance of the forces with stones, arrows, and dynamite. Although the authorities managed to temporarily open some sections using tractors and heavy machinery, the protesters immediately re-erected the barriers using tree trunks, dirt, and stones.

The Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mauricio Zamora, announced that the government convoy was caught in at least three ambushes during the operation. According to him, one of the vehicles was hit by a stone and its rear window was destroyed. Zamora stressed that the convoy was forced to return to La Paz in the early hours of Sunday morning via alternative routes. This operation is the second unsuccessful attempt by the government to reopen the strategic route since May 16.