Washington: The US, alongside a coalition of Latin American countries, has publicly condemned the attempts to destabilize Bolivia's elected government, emphasizing the involvement of drug trafficking funds in these efforts. A statement released by the US State Department on behalf of 13 nations, including Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Panama, highlighted the alliance's concerns.

According to Anadolu Agency, the coalition, known as Shield of the Americas, expressed their disapproval of the ongoing unrest in Bolivia, asserting that the Bolivian people's democratic decision should not be undermined by mob actions. The statement criticized the protest organizers for employing "fake road blockades" to disrupt essential supplies, such as food and medicine, from reaching Bolivians.

The alliance stressed the need for accountability for those financing the protests with illicit funds from drug trafficking and transnational crime. Shield of the Americas urged individuals with genuine grievances to engage in dialogue with the government rather than support those exploiting their causes for power.

In response, the Bolivian Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for the support, reaffirming the importance of democracy and institutional stability within the region. The ministry's message was shared on the US social media platform X.

The political tension in Bolivia has intensified following the resignation of the country's defense and education ministers amidst widespread protests demanding President Rodrigo Paz's resignation. Various groups, including workers, farmers, miners, transport operators, and teachers, are calling for immediate action to address the nation's most severe economic crisis in four decades.

The Paz administration attributes the turmoil to supporters of former President Evo Morales, who currently faces an arrest warrant. Morales has called for new elections within 90 days as a potential solution to the crisis.