Bolivian military commander denies militarization of border towns

Bolivia's Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Víctor Hugo Balderrama, has dismissed claims of militarizing border towns like San Matías and San Ignacio de Velasco. He asserted that current military activities are routine patrols, intensified due to an ongoing state of exception and conducted in coordination with the Bolivian Police.

Balderrama emphasized that military units have always been present along Bolivia's borders, fulfilling a strategic coverage mission. He stated that these operations are permanent and not a new development, assuring that the forces are prepared and their presence is constant. He stressed adherence to the state of exception, human rights, and police coordination in all activities.

Despite the commander's statements, security forces, including the Special Force to Combat Narcotic Trafficking (Felcn) and the Force to Combat Crime (Felcc), have reportedly intensified operations in border municipalities with Brazil. This heightened activity follows recent violent incidents and significant drug seizures in the region. On Monday, authorities discovered 60 kilograms of controlled substances on a highway near San Bartolo, prompting the deployment of an additional contingent to San Matías for search and control operations.