U.S. Supports Bolivia Amidst Coup Threats
Army Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday that the United States is dedicated to defending Bolivia’s vulnerable government as it faces threats of a potential coup.
In a message on X, Hegseth mentioned the War Department and the newly established American Coalition Against Cartels (A3C) are firmly opposing any attempts to undermine President Rodrigo Paz Pereira’s rule, which has just begun six months ago.
Hegseth stated, “The United States is watching. Bolivia must not succumb to the historical pattern of narco-terrorist control in the region. We will keep supporting our A3C allies like Bolivia to ensure that narco-terrorists do not exploit our hemisphere’s turmoil.”
Recently, Bolivia has faced extensive social unrest, with major protests disrupting traffic in La Paz, fueled by economic issues and rising fuel costs.
Notably, Bolivian Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas resigned on Tuesday amid these tensions.
After taking office, Paz backed a land reform initiative aimed at boosting agribusiness, which has raised concerns among indigenous farmers about potential displacement. Additionally, the removal of fuel subsidies led to a staggering price hike of nearly 90%. Complaints have surfaced regarding contaminated gasoline damaging vehicles.
The Trump administration has attributed the unrest to drug traffickers inciting violence.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the United States’ full support for Bolivia’s legitimate government in a post on X, asserting, “We will not permit criminals and drug traffickers to unseat democratically elected officials in our region.”
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau labeled the protests as part of an ongoing “coup,” describing it as a conspiracy involving political elements and organized crime.
In the meantime, former President Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous leader who governed for 14 years, has called for early elections, stating that President Paz faces two options: a “suicidal” militarization approach or calling for elections within 90 days. Morales, who has been in hiding in the coca-growing region of Chapare for nearly two years, is evading an arrest warrant for allegedly engaging in human trafficking. He has refuted these allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.
