La Paz, October 23 (RHC) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales on Tuesday denounced a military-style attack on a government coca plant eradication team, blaming the aggression on foreign drug traffickers.

Saturday's ambush in the area of Apolo, some 442 km north of the capital La Paz, resembled a "military plan," he told a press conference in the southern town of Tarija, adding that preliminary investigation points to the presence of foreign drug traffickers, who teamed with local leaders.

Three soldiers and a doctor were killed in the ambush, 14 people were shot and 15 were hurt with machetes and sticks.

There are designated coca-growing areas in Apolo and other regions, but also some illegal production.

Morales said the campaign for the eradication of illegal coca crops will continue and that the government will set up military checkpoints along the borders, especially near such remote coca-growing regions as Apolo.

A total of 13 local residents were arrested in the clash, including local leaders and coca producers.