**Bolivian Government Accuses Evo Morales Supporters of Detaining Soldiers Amid Clashes**

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Bolivia, supporters of former President Evo Morales have been accused of detaining more than 200 soldiers. The Bolivian government reported that these incidents occurred after protesters began blockading roads to prevent Morales’s looming arrest.

The Foreign Ministry of Bolivia released a statement on Saturday detailing the situation. The ministry claimed that on Friday, three military units in the central province of Chapare were attacked by what it described as "irregular groups." These groups allegedly took over 200 soldiers hostage and seized weapons and ammunition from three different barracks.

Despite these hostilities, the ministry expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with various factions within the country. However, officials emphasized that meaningful discussions couldn't proceed while citizens continue to experience abuses from groups whose actions appear to serve the personal and electoral ambitions of a former president, rather than the national interest.

Amidst escalating tensions, the Bolivian government had deployed troops to Cochabamba to aid police forces in removing roadblocks set up by Morales’s supporters. The previous week saw intense confrontations resulting in injuries to 30 police officers and the arrest of over 50 protesters.

In response to the violence, Morales himself urged his followers to consider halting the roadblocks to prevent further bloodshed. He announced plans to commence a hunger strike until negotiations could begin.

The confrontation emerges against the backdrop of Morales's ongoing political ambitions. Despite being barred from running for presidency again, Morales seeks to challenge incumbent President Luis Arce for leadership of the MAS party in next August’s elections. Compounding the political drama, Morales faces legal accusations of rape, human trafficking, and human smuggling linked to an alleged relationship with a minor in 2016, charges he denies and has refused to address in court.

The Bolivian political landscape remains fraught as Morales continues to assert his influence, even as the government moves to curtail his impact through legal and security measures.