By Laura Gamba
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Bolivian President Luis Arce denounced supporters of former President Evo Morales on Friday who took control of three military units in central Bolivia.
"We denounce before the Bolivian people and the international community that armed groups affiliated with Evo Morales have taken by assault three military units in Tropico de Cochabamba, holding soldiers and their families hostage and threatening their lives," Arce wrote on X.
Arce said the group forced its way into the military posts after shooting and launching dynamite at police. He called the attack "criminal" and accused the attackers of treason.
At least 20 soldiers were detained as part of protests carried out in support of Morales, who is under investigation for aggravated rape and human trafficking.
Morales said Friday that he would go on a hunger strike until talks with the government take place, following 19 days of protests and roadblocks by his supporters.
"To prioritize dialogue, I will begin a hunger strike until the government" sets up ‘dialogue tables,’" Morales said in a statement to the media in the coca-growing region of Chapare in the department of Cochabamba.
He asked for the participation of international organizations “from friendly countries."
"We do not want bloodshed. We have always sought sincere dialogue" said Morales, who asked his followers to consider taking a break from the road blockades.
Arce has accused Morales of inciting his supporters to create regional blockades, causing economic disruptions that, according to the president, have cost more than $1.7 billion.
Protests have left 70 people injured, the vast majority of them police officers.
Arce and Morales, who were once allies, are fighting for control of the presidential nomination for the 2025 elections.
Morales alleged that on Oct. 28, he came under fire with his vehicle being struck at least 14 times, injuring his driver.
Morales held Arce responsible for the attack and said it crossed a dangerous line.
In the aftermath, Morales’ supporters intensified road blockades across central Bolivia, prompting police intervention.
Supporters of the former president took over the airport in Chimore on Sunday and intensified roadblocks, which have led to food and fuel shortages amid an economic crisis in Bolivia.
Morales has accused Arce of attempting to kill him to prevent his candidacy in the 2025 presidential elections.
“The organized deception of the government and its paid media are trying to obscure the truth about the criminal attack we suffered on Sunday,” he said.
Morales also directly accused the military and police of conspiring against him.
In response, the Armed Forces issued a statement categorically denying the allegations related to the attack on Morales.
Arce has ordered an investigation into the incident.
"The exercise of any violent practice in politics must be condemned and clarified. It is not with the search for the dead that problems are solved or with biased speculation," said Arce.
*Alperen Aktas from Istanbul contributed to this story