Four killed, including two soldiers, in clash with mineral thieves in Bolivia

An incident involving alleged mineral thieves in Huanuni, Bolivia, has resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two soldiers and two miners. The Bolivian Army confirmed the fatalities and announced an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the event.

The clash occurred in the early hours of Sunday during preventive security operations. These operations were requested by the state-owned Huanuni Mining Company (EMH), which operates in the town of Huanuni, located approximately 56 kilometers from Oruro.

According to a statement from the Army's General Command, a patrol unit encountered a group of individuals suspected of illegally extracting mineral resources. During the retreat, military personnel and miners fell into a mine shaft, leading to the deaths of two sergeants and two EMH workers. A sub-lieutenant was injured and evacuated to a hospital in Oruro for specialized medical attention.

The Army stated that the exact sequence of events, the causes of the incident, and the potential use of explosives are currently under verification by the competent authorities. The military institution has initiated technical and administrative investigations and pledged full cooperation for an objective and transparent clarification.

Bolivia's Minister of Defense, Ernesto Justiniano, extended his condolences to the families and colleagues of the deceased and confirmed that he has instructed continuous monitoring of the injured soldier's health. The Huanuni mining center is known for its significant tin deposits, and the problem of mineral theft, often carried out by individuals known as 'jucus,' is a persistent issue, frequently leading to confrontations.