Convoy of Bolivia’s Public Works Minister Ambushed with Dynamite and Stones

Political tensions in Bolivia escalated sharply on Saturday after the convoy of Public Works Minister Mauricio Zamora was ambushed during an operation aimed at dismantling anti-government roadblocks near the administrative capital, La Paz. Local media reported that Zamora’s vehicle became separated from the convoy after protesters attacked the group with stones and explosives in the town of Copata, south of La Paz.

Authorities later confirmed that the minister was safely located after temporarily disappearing during the confrontation. The incident occurred amid intensifying demonstrations led by trade unions and supporters of former President Evo Morales, who are demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz over austerity policies and worsening economic conditions.

The protests have paralysed several transport routes into La Paz and the neighbouring city of El Alto, threatening food and medical supply chains.

Bolivian authorities launched a coordinated operation early Saturday involving police and military personnel to reopen blocked highways and establish what officials described as “humanitarian corridors” for essential goods.

Bulldozers were deployed to clear concrete barriers and rocks placed across major roads, but clashes quickly erupted in several areas as demonstrators resisted the operation. According to reports from local outlet Agencia Noticias Fides (ANF), Zamora’s convoy was ambushed while travelling through Copata, where protesters allegedly hurled stones and dynamite at security vehicles.

The minister’s vehicle reportedly diverted onto a dirt road in an attempt to escape before encountering a second attack.

Elsewhere across the country, violence intensified as protesters allegedly looted and burned a customs facility in Achicha Arriba following clashes with police using tear gas. Near Caracollo, north of Oruro, another convoy reportedly came under attack with explosives, while demonstrators burned a military truck and vandalised a police station.

Authorities also reported that a minibus was set ablaze on the La Paz–Oruro highway. The protests mark one of the most serious political crises facing President Paz since taking office six months ago on promises to stabilise Bolivia’s struggling economy.

His administration’s decision to remove long-standing fuel subsidies amid inflation and supply shortages has sharply increased living costs, fuelling public anger and labour unrest. The government has also accused Evo Morales of encouraging the protests and attempting to destabilise the administration, allegations the former president’s allies deny.

Morales, who remains influential among sections of Bolivia’s left-wing political base, has long criticised closer ties between Bolivia and the United States under the current government.

Speaking to Argentine broadcaster Todo Noticias, President Paz said his government remained open to dialogue but warned that continued violence would not be tolerated.

“Everything has a limit,” he said.

The unrest has raised concerns over political stability in Bolivia as the country struggles with inflation, economic slowdown and growing public dissatisfaction.