Violence in Llallagua reached its most critical point on Wednesday. Two sub-lieutenants of the Bolivian Police were murdered in cold blood by armed blockaders. The officers were part of the operation that was attempting to clear the roads taken by pro-Evo sectors.
They were attacked with gunfire while performing their duty. The public was shocked by the brutality of the event.
The deceased were identified as Brayan Barrozo Rodríguez and Carlos Enrique Apata Tola. Both were graduates of the National Police Academy.
They were deployed in the area along with a contingent that departed from Oruro. They were participating in the clearing operation when they were ambushed. A captain, Daynor Miranda, was also seriously injured.
Trained terrorists
The blockaders used warfare tactics and positioned themselves on the hills. They attacked with explosives, stones, and firearms. The Police were caught off guard during the clearing task.
They couldn't react to a planned and deadly attack. Testimonies indicate that the assailants had high-cost rifles.
Videos shared on social media show the violence of the attack. In the footage, gunfire against the officers can be seen. The use of dynamite and other explosives is also confirmed.
Some police officers were taken hostage and brutally beaten. Ambulances were even prevented from reaching the wounded.
The Minister of Government, Roberto Ríos, confirmed the deaths of the two sub-lieutenants. He stated that the officers were vilely murdered for fulfilling their duty. He denounced that what happened in Llallagua is not a social demand.
He accused Evo Morales of promoting a violent strategy to force his candidacy. He emphasized that this is terrorism driven from the Cochabamba tropics.
The criminals possess sophisticated weaponry
The Police haven't yet issued a complete official report. However, it was confirmed that the blockaders used precision weaponry. Some photographs show military-grade rifles in the hands of the strikers.
The victims were killed by gunshots amid the chaos. The crime has sparked a wave of outrage throughout the country.
Assembly member Azucena Fuertes warned about the use of snipers. She stated that the ambush has similarities to the events of 2019. According to reports, the assailants acted from elevated positions.
The violence was planned and executed with tactical advantage. Llallagua has become a war zone.
Representatives of police officers' wives demanded the declaration of a state of siege. They denounced that the agents are at a disadvantage against the blockaders. The latter use dynamite, homemade traps, and lethal weapons.
