Six dead in military plane crash in Bolivia

Six people, including four military personnel and two civilians, died when a military aircraft crashed in Bolivia, the Ministry of Defense reported. The incident occurred as the country grapples with a significant political crisis.

The Cessna FAB-409, a military aircraft, departed from El Alto airport near the capital, La Paz, on Sunday morning. The Ministry of Defense stated the plane was en route to Cochabamba to support civil measures, though the newspaper El Deber reported its mission was to monitor road blockades.

Following a loss of radio contact, a search operation located the crashed aircraft in the Cerro Sayari area of Cochabamba department. The crash happened amidst a profound political crisis that has seen protests and road blockades disrupt daily life for over 50 days.

Protesters are demonstrating against the dire economic situation, rising living costs, and the conservative government's reform plans. Government figures indicate that the blockades in various regions have led to supply shortages. In response, President Rodrigo Paz declared a nationwide state of emergency on Saturday, intending to deploy the military to clear the roads.