Disturbances and gunfire at Bolivia-Argentina border following contraband seizure in Bermejo
Smugglers clashed with Argentine officials in Aguas Blancas and Bermejo on 18 September. Detonations and stone-throwing were recorded during an operation.
Tension at Bermejo border following seizure operation
According to El Deber, a seizure of merchandise allegedly smuggled sparked clashes on Friday 18 September between smugglers and Argentine naval prefecture officials in the border area of Aguas Blancas (Argentina) and Bermejo (Bolivia).
During the operation, officials seized merchandise being transported in vans. The intervention provoked an immediate reaction from the smugglers, whose complaints were recorded on video by residents of the area.
Detonations and gunfire occurred as the population attempted to prevent the seizure. Some threw stones at the gendarmes; others withdrew their pontoons from the riverbank to avoid inspection. The images captured show the extent of the tension at the border crossing.
Source: El Deber