Armed group kidnaps more than 200 soldiers and takes over a base in central Bolivia

An armed group has taken control of a military post in the center Bolivia and holds more than 200 staff hostage.

Bolivia’s military said Friday that an “irregular armed group” had kidnapped military personnel and seized weapons and ammunition from its base near the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba. Bolivia’s Foreign Ministry said more than 200 soldiers were taken hostage during the incident.

Bolivian President Luis Arce said the armed group was “affiliated” with former President Evo Morales, but provided no evidence for this claim. CNN has contacted Morales’ team for comment.

The armed forces urged the group to leave the barracks “immediately and peacefully”, stressing that these actions would be considered “a betrayal of the country”.

The incident is the latest escalation in a period of unrest in the South American country, as Morales and Arce clash ahead of the 2025 elections.

In recent weeks, Morales’ supporters have rallied blockages on major highways across the country, including in Cochabamba, in response to the government’s unveiling of human trafficking charges against Morales. The blockades, which Bolivian police say involve “violent armed groups,” have led to food and fuel shortages in some cities.

Morales and the government have also made accusations over an exchange that took place in Cochabamba last weekend.

Bolivian Minister of Government Eduardo Del Castillo claimed that individuals in a car with Morales opened fire on police as they tried to avoid a checkpoint set up to deter drug trafficking. The former president denied the accusation and accused the government tries to orchestrate his assassination by shooting at his vehicle.

CNN has contacted the Bolivian government for more information about the events at the military base.

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