US and Shield of the Americas Condemn Efforts to Overthrow Bolivia's Government

The United States, along with member countries of the Shield of the Americas, issued a statement condemning efforts to overthrow the government of President Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia. The statement, released on Friday, emphasized support for Paz’s administration amid ongoing social unrest characterized by protests related to economic inflation and rising fuel prices. The statement criticized attempts to disrupt the delivery of essential supplies to the Bolivian population and called for accountability for those funding protests with illicit money. The joint statement was made by the State Department and included support from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. The unrest has led to the resignation of Bolivian Defense Minister Marcelo Salinas. Former President Evo Morales has called for early elections, suggesting that Paz must choose between militarization or an election within 90 days. The U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated support for Bolivia's government and warned against the influence of narco-terrorism in the region.