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Bolivia has launched a website listing nationwide events commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s presence in the country.
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The website, www.50aniversarioche.bo, includes maps, videos and photos outlining his time in Bolivia. It also features an online registration platform for people attending the events from around the world.
Fifty years ago, Guevara launched a guerrilla movement in the South American country aimed at overthrowing the right-wing military regime of Rene Barrientos and establishing a socialist state.
The revolutionary leader helped create the Ñancahuazú Guerrilla, also known as the National Liberation Army, and led them to their first victory in the town of Camiri. The guerilla movement successfully ambushed 35 soldiers from the U.S.-backed Bolivian Army.
After months of fighting against the U.S.-trained and supported Bolivian Army, Guevara was captured. He was executed on Oct. 9, 1967 at age 39 after refusing to divulge information while being interrogated.
A day later, Che’s body was displayed to international media with Bolivian Army troops. It is widely believed that Barrientos' regime was instructed by the CIA to hunt down and kill Guevara.
He was then buried in the small town of Vallegrande. Several towns and cities in Bolivia’s south-east have since created memorials along the “Ruta del Che.”
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