Morales claims assassination attempt in Bolivia clash

A significant political confrontation unfolded in Bolivia, when former President Evo Morales claimed his vehicle was targeted in an assassination attempt, while the government countered that his convoy had attacked anti-narcotics police during a routine patrol.

Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo rejected Morales' accusations during a press conference, stating that the Special Force to Fight Against Drug-Trafficking (FELCN) was conducting a standard highway patrol when Morales' convoy allegedly fired at police and ran over an officer. The government suggested the vehicles were suspected of transporting drugs.

Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, posted video evidence on social media showing at least two bullet holes in his car's windshield. His supporters within the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party claimed men in black opened fire near a military barracks and held President Luis Arce's government responsible. Morales asserted he was shot at "more than 18 times" and only returned fire after police initiated the shooting.

The incident has intensified the ongoing power struggle between Morales and his former ally, President Arce, over who should represent the MAS party in next year's election. The situation has led to widespread protests, with Morales' supporters blocking key roads in Cochabamba and other regions.

This confrontation occurs amid investigations into Morales for alleged statutory rape and human trafficking, charges he denies and attributes to a right-wing vendetta following his 2019 resignation amid vote-rigging allegations. The situation has created deep divisions within Bolivia, with both Morales and Arce commanding loyal supporters willing to engage in street demonstrations and occasional violent confrontations.