LA PAZ, Oct 28 (Reuters) – Bolivia’s government on Monday denied accusations that it had led a targeted attack on ex-President Evo Morales, whose car was shot at on Sunday, claiming the former leader’s convoy had fired on special anti-narcotics police who were carrying out a patrol.
Morales claims the government had attempted to assassinate him when bullets struck his car early on Sunday, marking a new chapter of tensions in the Andean nation between Morales and former ally President Luis Arce.
Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo said during a press conference that the FELCN anti-drug trafficking unit was carrying out a standard highway patrol when Morales’ convoy shot at police and ran over an officer.
Morales said in a radio interview on Sunday that he had indeed shot back at police after they opened fire.
Morales’ vehicles were suspected of transporting drugs, according to the government.
The ex-president called the allegations that authorities were carrying out an anti-drug trafficking operation false.