# Chaco War Battle of Boquerón > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chaco-war-battle-of-boquern > Updated: 2026-09-29T04:37:08.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. The Battle of Boquerón served as a decisive turning point in the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia. The engagement began in early September 1932 following the failure of diplomatic efforts, initiated by Paraguayan artillery. For Paraguay, the operation was a strategic necessity to secure the Central Chaco, protect Mennonite colonies, and defend logistical hubs such as Isla Poí. Under the leadership of President Eusebio Ayala and Lieutenant Colonel José Félix Estigarribia, the recovery of Boquerón provided the military and population with the confidence to eventually win the war, leading to a 1938 peace treaty that granted Paraguay sovereignty over much of the Chaco Boreal. From the Bolivian perspective, the battle is viewed as a symbol of heroic resistance. A Bolivian garrison of approximately 800 men, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Marzana, endured a 20-day siege marked by extreme dehydration and food shortages. Despite attempts to supply the troops via air, the garrison was forced to surrender, leaving fewer than 500 survivors. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: Battle of Boquerón marks 94 years since Chaco War engagement The 94th anniversary of the Battle of Boquerón commemorates the 1932 Chaco War engagement between Paraguay and Bolivia, a decisive event that shaped the territorial sovereignty of the region. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/battle-of-boquern-marks-94-years-since-chaco-war-engagement ### 2026-09-09: Boquerón Battle marks turning point in Chaco War The Battle of Boquerón marked a critical phase in the Chaco War, as Paraguay sought to secure strategic territory and logistical control against Bolivia. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boquern-battle-marks-turning-point-in-chaco-war --- Cite as: Chaco War Battle of Boquerón. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chaco-war-battle-of-boquern