US defence secretary compares Bolivia protests to government ‘overthrow’
Summary
The US Secretary of Defence accused protesters in Bolivia of trying to overthrow the country's president, Rodrigo Paz, and linked them to drug traffickers. The Trump administration supports Bolivia’s government and its efforts to fight crime and maintain order during ongoing protests and unrest.Key Facts
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US military will reject any attempt to overthrow Bolivia’s president, Rodrigo Paz.
- Protesters include teachers, miners, farmers, and union workers opposing the government.
- The Trump administration calls some drug trafficking groups “narco-terrorists” and supports cracking down on them.
- President Paz was elected in 2024, ending nearly 20 years of rule by the Movement for Socialism party.
- Paz has restored ties with the US, which were cut in 2008.
- Bolivia produces large amounts of coca, which is used for cocaine production and traditional practices.
- Protests began in May due to economic problems and unpopular government policies like ending fuel subsidies.
- Bolivia’s legislature allowed the military to act against protesters, but unrest continues.
- The Trump administration created the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) to fight crime with regional partners, and Bolivia participates in it.
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