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During an attempt to unblock roads in Cochabamba, clashes broke out between the police and the blockades. In these incidents, Nigel Villalobos, a 35-year-old officer, suffered a serious injury due to the explosion of an explosive device.
Doctors from the National Health Fund (CNS) carried out a surgical intervention that lasted more than 4 hours to reconstruct the police officer’s foot. Despite the efforts made, it was not possible to save his thumb, and he is currently in the recovery process under medical observation.
Injured in clashes
The Minister of Government, Eduardo del Castillo, reported that, after clashes with groups related to former President Evo Morales, 14 police officers were injured. At dawn on Friday, a police contingent left Cochabamba with the mission of clearing the blocked points on the route to the west of the country.
The troops managed to release the blockade in Vinto without any violent incidents. However, upon reaching Parotani, they encountered resistance from the blockaders, who threw dynamite and stones from the nearby hills.
Arrests and crimes
Del Castillo also reported that arrests have been made of individuals involved in these acts, who will be investigated for a series of crimes. These crimes include attacks on security and transportation, obstruction of the exercise of functions, serious and very serious injuries, attempted murder, criminal association, terrorism and armed uprising.
