After being forced to resign from office by his country’s military leaders over the weekend, Bolivian President Evo Morales and other members of his administration also came under direct physical attack by US-backed right-wing ‘opposition’ mobs, including threats to their families.

As a result, Morales was forced to flee his home and fly to Mexico, where he has been offered asylum by the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Muy agradecido con el hermano Manuel López Obrador y el gobierno y pueblo de México por salvarme la vida. Llegamos sanos y salvos junto a nuestros hermanos Álvaro y Gabriela. Los golpistas ofrecieron $us 50 mil a un miembro de seguridad para que me entregue antes de mi renuncia. pic.twitter.com/cOGe2Ztgcz

— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) November 12, 2019

According to Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, the Obrador government sent a Mexican Air Force plane to Bolivia to collect Morales. While making a refueling stop in Peru, the plane was denied entry to the country’s airspace, forcing the pilot to land in neighboring Paraguay for refueling. Oddly, the plane had been allowed to refuel in Peru during its outbound journey en route to Bolivia. It is believed that the Peruvians were ordered by the Trump Administration to deny access to the Mexican aircraft.

Morales tweeted his regret in being forced out of his country, but vowed to fight on for his people and return again with “a renewed strength and energy”.

Hermanas y hermanos, parto rumbo a México, agradecido por el desprendimiento del gobierno de ese pueblo hermano que nos brindó asilo para cuidar nuestra vida. Me duele abandonar el país por razones políticas, pero siempre estaré pendiente. Pronto volveré con más fuerza y energía.

— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) November 12, 2019

Back in Bolivia, new clashed have ensued between the new military junta and supporters of Morales. Numerous injuries have been reported.

Morales also tweeted out an image described by him as “the first night after leaving the presidency, forced out in a coup by Mesa (political rival) and Camacho (right-wing opposition leader) who were backed by police.”

Así fue mi primera noche después de dejar la presidencia forzado por el golpe de Mesa y Camacho con ayuda de la Policía. Así recordé tiempos de dirigente. Muy agradecido con mis hermanos de las federaciones del Trópico de Cochabamba por brindarnos seguridad y cuidado. pic.twitter.com/O1EpDhS5Qw

— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) November 12, 2019

In lieu of the resignations of President Morales and his number two and three deputies, the Bolivian opposition lawmaker and the deputy vice president of the Senate, Jeanine Anez, will assume the role of he presidency from Monday.

President Evo Morales served three terms as President of Bolivia and was lauded internationally for dramatically raising the country’s living standards and reducing poverty through instituting sweeping social programs and aid for citizens, and posting an incredible 4% average economic growth over the last 13 years.

Although Morales won his reelection bid in October, his political rivals accused the election of voting irregularities, which was promptly followed by US-backed right-wing opposition mobs began a campaign of violence and intimidation against Morales supporters and government officials.

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