Former Bolivia President claims he survived ‘assassination attempt’ after gunmen blasted his car

THE former president of Bolivia claims to have survived an assassination attempt after a group of men allegedly opened fire on his car.

Evo Morales said shots were fired as he was being driven through a rural part of the country where residents have been protesting against the government – led by his bitter political rival – for weeks.

Reuters

A police officer shoots tear gas at supporters of Bolivia’s former President Evo Morales as copstry to disband an anti-government protest[/caption]

AFP

A fire rages during the protests on a street in Cochabamba[/caption]

AFP

A Morales supporter clashes with riot police[/caption]

His vehicle was apparently hit by the gunfire as political tensions in the country soared.

Morales shared a video on Facebook allegedly taken from inside the car – with him sitting in the front passenger seat and two bullet holes in the windshield, Reuters reports.

He miraculously escaped uninjured while the footage – which has not been verified – appeared to show the driver was hurt.

Morales said the current government – led by President Luis Arce – was to blame for the alleged attempt on his life.

Dramatic pictures showed Morales’ supporters clashing with armed riot cops in Cochabamba on Friday.

Authorities have yet to make any comment on the alleged assassination attempt in Chapare – Morales’ stronghold.

The roadblocks and protests organised by Morales’ supporters have disrupted food and fuel supplies and isolated cities.

The former president’s supporters argue that President Arces is attempting to sabotage his former mentor and bitter political rival.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

Reuters

Demonstrators throw objects as police during the protests[/caption]