Breaking: Shots fired in Bolivia as former leader clashes with police patrol
Police and ex-president **Evo Morales** exchange gunfire during highway incident in Bolivia. Government denies assassination claims while suggesting drug-related motives behind the confrontation
In a dramatic turn-of-events‚ Evo Morales convoy and Bolivian anti-narcotics police exchanged gunfire on a highway last night — marking a serious escalation between the ex-president and current administration
The Interior Ministry claims their FELCN unit (conducting a standard patrol) got shot at by Moralesʼ vehicles; while an officer was run over during this late-night encounter. Morales admitted returning fire but insisted police attacked first: his car took 18 bullet hits
Its clear this wasnt a regular operation - why would elite forces shoot at my vehicles
Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo presented a different narrative: suggesting vehicles in question mightʼve carried illegal substances However the evidence remains unclear since the cars were burnt-up right after the incident (which del Castillo says points to a cover-up)
The high-stakes confrontation highlights growing rifts between Morales and his one-time ally Luis Arce who leads Bolivia now. Both politicians — representing different wings of the once-united MAS party — might face-off in next years presidential race. Their relationship went south after Morales dramatic exit about 5 years ago during election protests; with Arce taking power roughly a year later
- FELCN claims routine highway check
- Morales reports 18 shots hitting his car
- Government suggests drug transport possibility
- Vehicles destroyed post-incident
- Both leaders eye 2025 presidency
The situation shows deepening political divisions as Bolivia moves towards its next election season
