Attempted Assassination of Bolivia's Ex-President Morales
In Bolivia, a country already grappling with escalating inflation and dwindling gas production, ex-president Evo Morales reported an assassination attempt on him on Sunday. According to Morales and his associates, two vehicles forced his car to halt on a highway, after which armed, unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. A bullet reportedly missed Morales' head by mere centimeters. Reports suggest that Morales' driver sustained injuries in the incident.
Political Tensions in Bolivia
Luis Arce, the current president of Bolivia, has recently accused Morales and his supporters of destabilizing the country. The country has been experiencing weeks of roadblocks, leading to supply chain disruptions affecting grocery stores and gas stations. Morales, on the other hand, claims to be the target of a politically motivated investigation by a government prosecutor, which he believes is orchestrated by his adversaries, particularly the Arce administration.
Morales, who served as Bolivia's president from 2006 to 2019 and was the country's first indigenous president, is facing charges of statutory rape and human trafficking, which he dismisses as fabricated. Recently, supporters of rival political parties in Bolivia have been involved in street clashes, resulting in the closure of entire city areas and key road blockages.
Morales' Team Alleges Planned Assassination
Morales' team is treating the recent incident as a premeditated assassination attempt. The Morales-aligned faction of the divided MAS party stated, "This is not an isolated incident. It’s clear evidence that we are facing a fascist government that does not hesitate to attack the life of former President Evo Morales."
According to a statement by the Associated Press, two vehicles carrying heavily armed men in black ambushed Morales' convoy, with bullets narrowly missing the ex-president's head. A video posted on Morales' radio station's website showed helicopters hovering over the airstrip where the incident took place. In response to the incident, President Arce condemned any form of violence in politics and called for clarity.
Reactions and Speculations
As the video of the assassination attempt circulates, authorities are concerned about potential unrest. However, some key government ministers have suggested that the incident may have been a false flag operation orchestrated by Morales himself, implying that he was never genuinely at risk.
Bottom Line
The political unrest in Bolivia, coupled with the recent assassination attempt on ex-president Morales, paints a concerning picture of the country's current state. The incident has sparked a wide range of reactions and speculations, with some suggesting it was a false flag operation. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6 pm.
