Bolivia Deploys Military to Reopen Roads After 11 Days of Violent Protests

Bolivia has witnessed a violent escalation after a joint force of police and military launched a large-scale operation to reopen roads that have been blocked for 11 days in the capital, La Paz, and surrounding areas. The operation, dubbed "Humanitarian Corridor," has mobilized 2,500 police officers and 1,000 soldiers, according to security leaders overseeing the operation.

Police Chief Mirko Sokol confirmed that the goal is to "liberate" the roads to allow food, medicine, ambulances, and medical oxygen into La Paz, as well as to rescue stranded tourists. He added, "We are not going to confront anyone, but to do our duty in opening the roads and guaranteeing freedom of movement."

However, the operation quickly turned violent, particularly on the vital highway connecting La Paz to the Andean region of Oruro, a crucial artery linking the capital to the central and eastern parts of the country. Protesters also blocked another road toward Peru via the tourist town of Copacabana on Lake Titicaca.