Bolivian police and military are out in force Tuesday, with armored vehicles deployed to advance on the major Senkata gasoline plant near the city of La Paz. The plant had been under blockade by protesters.
Protesters had burned tires to prevent access to the plant, though the military managed to end the blockade of what is left of the site, killing three protesters with live ammunition and wounding 30 others in clashes.
Though they managed to get to the gas plant, the military also reported that the protesters had destroyed parts of the site with explosives in the process. It’s unclear what level of production the site will have going forward, or how many repairs might be needed.
With interim President Jeanine Anez declaring herself president, the focus is on cracking down on protesters loyal to the ousted government. In addition to the Senkata blockade, this also saw police move against coca farmers, who are protesting and demanding Anez’s resignation. Police fired tear gas at the farmers, and arrested at least 10 of them.
Why didn’t Hong Kong authorities deploy armored vehicles months ago?