Roadblock Clashes in Santa Cruz: Police and anti-government protesters clashed in San Julián as authorities tried to clear a road blocked by rural workers demanding President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, with tear gas used and demonstrators throwing stones and burning tires; the agricultural breadbasket region is key to feeding western Bolivia. Crisis Deepens Across Bolivia: With around 100 blockade points reported earlier in the week, unrest has continued to disrupt transport of food, fuel and medicine, and protesters have repeatedly re-blocked roads after partial clearances. Government Response and Leadership Changes: Bolivia’s defense minister Ernesto Justiniano was appointed amid the standoff, while the government also moved toward a state-of-exception approach as more resignations were reported. U.S. Steps Up Support: The U.S. pledged emergency assistance and logistics support to address acute shortages tied to “illegal roadblocks,” with Secretary of State Marco Rubio backing Paz. Regional Security Framing: A U.S.-led Latin America bloc condemned alleged drug-funded efforts to topple Bolivia’s government, warning that “mob rule” can’t replace ballot decisions. Industry Angle—Supply Chain Pressure: The blockade-driven shortages are hitting the country’s agro-industrial corridors and raising costs for basic goods, adding strain to already fragile production and distribution.