Bolivia Deploys 3,500 Troops to Clear La Paz Roadblocks, Arrests 57
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 16
Bolivia Deploys 3,500 Troops to Clear La Paz Roadblocks, Arrests 57
5 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 16
Bolivian soldiers and police launched a pre-dawn operation outside La Paz on Saturday, clearing anti-government roadblocks and arresting 57 demonstrators, according to the ombudsman’s office.
The government said the 3,500-person deployment was meant to open a “humanitarian corridor” for hospital supplies after blockades drove up food prices and reportedly left three people unable to reach medical care.
Miners, teachers, Indigenous groups and unions have led nationwide protests against President Rodrigo Paz, whose October election ended nearly two decades of MAS rule and whose fuel-subsidy cuts and privatization push have fueled anger.
At least 22 roadblocks have been set up in recent weeks as Bolivia’s worsening economic crisis deepens shortages of fuel and basic goods, after falling gas exports and shrinking reserves turned the former energy exporter into a fuel importer.
With its state-led model broken, can Bolivia impose painful economic reforms without triggering a full-blown revolution?
Beyond 'humanitarian aid,' is Argentina secretly equipping Bolivian forces to suppress the nationwide protests?
As Bolivia's gas economy collapses, is a grassroots EV revolution creating an unexpected blueprint for its future?
Bolivia’s May 2026 Unrest: Fuel Subsidy Cuts, Mass Protests, and the Battle Over Economic Reform
Overview
On May 16, 2026, Bolivia faced major protests that blocked roads and disrupted essential supplies to cities like La Paz. President Rodrigo Paz’s office blamed the shortages on these demonstrations, which were sparked by his government’s decision to cut a fuel subsidy during a declared economic emergency. The protests, led by unions and supporters of former President Evo Morales, grew as a large march approached La Paz demanding Paz’s resignation. The unrest reflects deep grievances over economic reforms and privatization plans, with clashes between protesters and police highlighting the country’s growing instability and political tension.