LA PAZ (Reuters) -An armed group in Bolivia took control of a military facility near the city of Cochabamba while taking some soldiers captive, the country’s armed forces said in a statement on Friday.
Cochabamba, located in central Bolivia, is home to many supporters of former President Evo Morales.
The statement described the armed group as “irregular,” noting it had also taken control of firearms and ammunition, and stressed that such actions amounted to treason.
It urged those responsible for the takeover to “immediately and peacefully” abandon the facility.
The seizure of the military outpost is seen as a response to efforts earlier this week by security forces under the control of President Luis Arce to dislodge highway blockades organized by supporters of Morales.
The two leftist leaders, both with roots in Bolivia’s ruling socialist party, have since become bitter rivals.
(Reporting by Daniel Ramos; Editing by Brendan O’Boyle)
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