Bolivia: Suspected smugglers attack military patrol in Sabaya Aug. 26

Event

A group of suspected smugglers, reportedly with assistance from local residents, attacked a military patrol in Subaya, Oruro Department, on Aug. 26. The soldiers were forced to withdraw, after which the assailants destroyed two of their vehicles. There were no immediate reports of casualties in the incident.

Context

The area near Sabaya is heavily used by organized crime groups that smuggle untaxed vehicles and consumer goods from Chile into Bolivia. These groups sometimes also smuggle cocaine from Bolivia to Chile. The Bolivian government has recently attempted to increase border security by deploying the military to the area; criminal groups have a history of responding to increased security measures with violence at and near border crossings.