LA PAZ - Supporters of Bolivia's former president Evo Morales stormed a barracks in central Chapare province and took around 20 soldiers hostage, military sources said on Nov 1, marking a dramatic escalation in their stand-off with the state.
The hostage situation comes nearly three weeks after backers of Mr Morales, 65 - the country's first indigenous leader - began blocking roads to prevent his arrest on what he calls trumped-up rape charges aimed at thwarting his political comeback.
He was in office from 2006 to 2019, when he resigned under a cloud after elections marked by fraud.
Bolivia's armed forces on Nov 1 said that "irregular armed groups" had "kidnapped military personnel" and seized weapons and ammunition in Chapare.
A military source told AFP on condition of anonymity that "about 20" soldiers were taken hostage.
In a video broadcast by Bolivian media, 16 soldiers were seen surrounded by protesters holding pointed sticks aloft.
"The Cacique Maraza Regiment has been taken over by Tipnis activists. They have cut off our water, electricity and are keeping us hostage," a uniformed man is heard saying in the video.
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TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE, ONE NAIL AT A TIME
Before global leaders take the problem of plastic pollution into their hands in November, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto is putting it on her fingernails.
Unpacking Ireland's cultural and creative renaissance
From Sally Rooney's bestsellers to actor Paul Mescal, Ireland, which holds a general election on Nov 29, has been enjoying a cultural and creative renaissance.
Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Dong-hwi split
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Dorothy's ruby slippers to go under the hammer
The ruby slippers worn by the late American actress Judy Garland in classic film The Wizard Of Oz (1939) will be sold at auction in December, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.
Artist Julie Mehretu opens solo Show in Sydney
Ethiopia-born New York artist Julie Mehretu (right), considered one of the most influential living painters, has opened her first solo show in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney.
Wicked's renowned costume designer returns to Oz
Tony Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell first created costumes for The Wizard Of Oz in a high-school production
ULTIMATE SELF-CARE
'Tis the season to treat yourself at spas and salons, which have introduced a slew of treatments for head-to-toe pampering
Fifa using $67m legacy fund for social initiatives
LAUSANNE - Fifa launched a US$50 million (S$67 million) legacy fund for social programmes on Nov 27, in collaboration with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
THE MARATHON BIKER GUY
Veteran Aussie has cycled over 50 courses in 12 years to ensure the route is 42.195km
Emery upbeat despite late drama against Juve
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
