Bolivian minister's convoy ambushed while overseeing roadblock clearance

Security forces were met by resistance while attempting to clear highway barriers, amid unrest over the government's economic policies.

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Mauricio Zamora's vehicle was intercepted in the town of Copata on Saturday afternoon and became separated from the group, local media reported. He was later located and is now safe.

He had been in command of an operation to clear barriers set up by anti-government protesters aimed at slowing the flow of goods into the administrative capital, La Paz, and nearby El Alto.

The mission to create so-called "humanitarian corridors" was met by renewed violence from demonstrators, with some convoys reportedly attacked with stones and dynamite.

Marches, protests and roadblocks by trade unions and supporters of left-wing former President Evo Morales have intensified this week, with clashes with security forces in La Paz.