Salta border tensions rise following attack on security forces

Tensions have escalated at the Argentina-Bolivia border in the province of Salta following an attack on the Prefectura Naval Argentina. During an operation at the Paso Camba in Aguas Blancas, a group of local traders, known as 'bagayeros', attacked security personnel with stones while they were transporting vehicles containing seized illegal merchandise.

In response to the violence, Adrián Zigarán, the interim interventor of Aguas Blancas, announced plans to formally request the national government to temporarily close the Paso Camba crossing. Zigarán stated that such aggression against those responsible for border controls cannot be tolerated.

In a separate but related matter concerning border security, Zigarán is also seeking a federal investigation into potential irregularities involving the bus company San Antonio. He has filed a complaint with the federal prosecutor in Orán, alleging that buses from the company are bypassing standard inspection procedures at the Route 50 control point. While taxis and smaller vehicles are subjected to rigorous scanning of passengers and luggage, Zigarán claims these buses pass through without inspection, potentially facilitating smuggling. Additionally, the official noted that the company owes approximately 60 million pesos to the municipality.