War Secretary Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Bolivia’s government amidst warnings of a potential coup d’état. In a statement, Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining Bolivia’s constitutional government and deterring narco-terrorists from destabilizing the region.
U.S. Stands with Bolivia
Hegseth, representing the War Department and the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), a multinational alliance, stated, “The United States is watching. Bolivia must not allow itself to fall prey to the old status quo of narco-terrorist dominance in the region.” This statement comes as Bolivia faces significant social unrest, with protests erupting in major cities over economic issues such as inflation and fuel prices.
Bolivia’s Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas recently resigned, adding to the political turmoil. President Rodrigo Paz Pereira’s administration has faced criticism for policies like land reform and the removal of fuel subsidies, which have led to economic strain for many Bolivians.
International Reactions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also voiced strong support for Bolivia’s government, stating, “Let there be no mistake: the United States stands squarely in support of Bolivia’s legitimate constitutional government.” Rubio and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau have both highlighted the role of drug traffickers in inciting unrest, describing it as part of a broader coup attempt.
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who ruled for 14 years, has called for early elections, suggesting that President Paz has limited options. Morales, currently evading arrest on charges he claims are politically motivated, continues to influence the political landscape from the Chapare region.
Challenges Ahead
The situation in Bolivia remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments. The U.S. continues to emphasize the importance of constitutional governance and the fight against narco-terrorism in maintaining stability in the region.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
