Clandestine airstrip, aircraft found during hunt for sicario in Bolivia

Bolivian police have intensified operations along the Bolivia-Brazil border following an armed ambush that resulted in the death of Sub-lieutenant Yerson Salazar and injured another officer. The "Alcón contra el Crimen Organizado" (Falcon against Organized Crime) operation involves specialized tactical units conducting ground and helitransported searches to apprehend those responsible and recover Salazar's body.

During aerial patrols, authorities located a clandestine airstrip approximately ten kilometers from the Ascención de la Frontera community. At the site, investigators found a Cessna aircraft, around 500 liters of aviation fuel (Avgas) in 50 containers, some of which were empty, along with firearm holsters and tactical clothing. These items have been seized for forensic analysis.

David Gómez, the departmental commander, confirmed the apprehension of one suspect and the identification of several other individuals, including Adán L. O. B., alias 'Grillo,' who is considered a primary target. "The priority is to identify and apprehend all perpetrators of this regrettable act. Our tactical groups are trained for these types of operations and will remain deployed along the entire border line," Gómez stated.

The ambush occurred Thursday afternoon when a police vehicle carrying five officers from the Special Police Investigation Center (CEIP) was intercepted by another truck in Ascención de la Frontera. The occupants of the second vehicle opened fire, killing Salazar and wounding another officer. Although the police initially repelled the attackers, they returned with reinforcements and resumed the exchange of gunfire. The operation is ongoing, with a focus on locating Salazar's body and capturing all involved.

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The priority is to identify and apprehend all perpetrators of this regrettable act. Our tactical groups are trained for these types of operations and will remain deployed along the entire border line.