Armed group kidnaps military personnel and seizes base in central Bolivia, military says

The group kidnapped military personnel and seized weapons and ammunition from the base situated near the city of Cochabamba, according to a statement from Bolivia’s armed forces.

An armed group has taken control of a military post in central Bolivia, the country’s armed forces said on Friday. According to the Bolivian military’s statement, the “irregular armed group” kidnapped military personnel and seized weapons and ammunition from the base situated near the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba. Bolivian president Luis Arce said that the armed group was “affiliated” with former president Evo Morales, but did not offer evidence for the claim. CNN has reached out to Morales’ team for comment. The armed forces’ statement urged the group to leave the barracks “immediately and peacefully,” emphasizing that these actions would be “considered treason to the country.” The incident is the latest escalation in a period of unrest in the South American country as Morales and Arce clash ahead of the 2025 election. In recent weeks, Morales’ supporters have set up blockades on major highways across the country, including in Cochabamba, in reaction to the government unveiling human trafficking charges against Morales. The blockades, which Bolivian police said involve “violent armed groups,” have led to food and fuel shortages in some cities.