Shots injure police officers in operation to reopen highway in Bolivia

Bolivian police and armed forces cleared part of a major highway in San Julián, in the eastern region of Santa Cruz, on Saturday (6), after more than three weeks of blockages that had disrupted traffic during a nationwide protest standoff.

Authorities said the clearing operation began around 6 a.m. local time, when security forces removed logs, debris and other barriers from the road, allowing some stuck vehicles to continue their journeys.

At least two police officers were injured by gunfire during the operation. According to authorities, the shots came in the direction of the protesters, and a video released by the Bolivian Defense Ministry and reviewed by Reuters showed two people firing rifles from the side of the blockade.

Planning Minister Oscar Mario Justiniano said police were equipped with chemical agents and protective equipment and sought to avoid clashes while also opening humanitarian corridors.

The conflict began with a workers' strike in May, which escalated into road blockades, cutting off access to the neighboring cities of La Paz and El Alto, where around 2 million people live.

Protesters, including unions and groups loyal to former left-wing president Evo Morales, demand that Paz's government revoke austerity measures and address the rising cost of living.

Source: CNN