Bolivia Highway Blockade Turns Violent: Tear Gas and Dynamite Fly

Bolivia: Police Clash with Protesters Blocking Highway A tense standoff unfolded yesterday at the Arque crossroads along the Cochabamba-Oruro highway in Bolivia, as police used tear gas to disperse a group of protesters who had blocked the vital transportation route. The incident, captured on video by Unitel Bolivia, shows a chaotic scene with smoke from tear gas canisters filling the air. Protesters responded by throwing rocks and reportedly, dynamite. "The police advanced and started firing tear gas," said one eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous. "The protesters responded with stones and other objects." The video clearly shows the police in riot gear and the protesters scattered across the landscape. The blockade, part of a larger protest movement, has caused significant disruption to traffic and trade between Cochabamba and Oruro. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident, but the video footage raises concerns about the use of force and the safety of both protesters and police officers. The situation remains tense, and further developments are expected in the coming days. The incident highlights the ongoing social and political tensions within Bolivia.