naap51stang Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 Boy, these people know how to throw a party! Violent clashes between independent and state-employed tin miners in Bolivia erupted on Thursday, leaving 16 dead and more than 60 injured, government officials said. The fighting began in the mining town of Huanuni, in the mineral-rich Oruro region 175 miles southeast of La Paz. Miners from an independent co-operative, who had been sharing work with their state-employed colleagues, reportedly seized control of a state-owned mine, one of the world's biggest, demanding greater access. The staff then counter-attacked, starting a battle with guns and dynamite which lasted several hours until a sort of truce was declared in order to bury the dead, although the fighting continued. On Friday morning a 700-strong police and army force arrived in the area and cordoned Posokoni mountain where much of the fighting occurred. "They have come down the mountain bearing flags of peace," said Lt Col Vladmir Suazmabar referring to the miners. Local television stations showed video of the clashes and images of people in bloodstained clothes being treated by nurses in a local hospital. :alien: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts