Transport disputes lead to violence in Ivirgarzama

Violent clashes between transport organizations in Ivirgarzama, located in the Puerto Villarroel municipality of the Cochabamba Tropics, resulted in significant property damage and vehicle fires. The conflict involved members of Trans Carrasco Tropical and the Cooperativa 12 de Agosto.

The unrest, which occurred between Friday night, October 30, and early Saturday morning, escalated from verbal aggressions to street confrontations involving stones and pyrotechnics. The violence led to the burning of the Trans Carrasco Tropical headquarters, as well as several motorcycles and other motorized vehicles.

The dispute stems from disagreements over the operation of public transport routes and stops. While the Cooperativa 12 de Agosto claims to hold municipal authorization to operate in the area, its members reported difficulties performing their duties due to opposition from other groups.