Bolivia: Clashes Between Police and Protesters Blocking Road

Violent clashes broke out in San Julian, Bolivia, on Saturday as police attempted to clear a road blockade, resulting in injuries on both sides. According to police reports, six officers were wounded, with four sustaining injuries from "firearms," which led to a strong response from law enforcement.

The protests, which have been ongoing for over a month, involve farmers and workers who are holding center-right President Rodrigo Paz responsible for the nation's economic crisis. The demonstrations have frequently included the establishment of roadblocks across the country, significantly disrupting the transport of essential goods.

Early Saturday morning, dozens of security forces, supported by military vehicles, arrived at a road in San Julian, a key agricultural region in Santa Cruz. They deployed tear gas to clear the route, but protesters retaliated with stones, sticks, and by burning tires and tree trunks to impede the police advance.

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Six police officers were injured, including four by “firearm,” which led to the response of law enforcement.

Colonel David Gomez, the Santa Cruz police chief, stated that the police response was a direct reaction to the injuries sustained by the officers. The Ombudsman's office reported that 14 civilians were also injured during the confrontations. Minister of Productive Development, Mario Justiniano, emphasized the strategic importance of the road for transporting food supplies, noting that it has been partially reopened.

This incident follows a similar operation the previous day, where police and the military cleared a vital route for food supplies to La Paz and El Alto. These cities, along with others like Cochabamba, Oruro, and Potosi, have been experiencing shortages of food, medicine, and fuel due to the widespread roadblocks, which number close to a hundred nationwide.

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The road, which has been partially reopened, was strategic for the transport of food supplies.