Members of the Bolivian police and Army work to clear roadblocks in El Alto on Saturday after the declaration of a state of emergency. Photo by Luis Gandarillas/EPA
June 22 (UPI) -- Bolivia began the week with 11 active roadblocks remaining across the national highway network -- a sharp decline from the dozens that had disrupted transportation and commerce for more than 50 days, according to a road accessibility report from the Bolivian Highway Administration.
Local media outlets, including El Deber and La Razón, reported that reopening the country's main transportation routes occurred shortly after President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency Saturday in response to internal unrest.
Vehicle traffic and essential goods distribution have gradually returned to normal after a joint deployment of the Bolivian National Police and the Armed Forces, officials said. The operation dismantled much of the network of more than 50 critical roadblocks that had pushed the country toward a logistical and economic crisis.
The presidential decree, which the Legislative Assembly backed, temporarily authorized the Armed Forces to support police efforts to maintain order and guarantee freedom of movement.
