La Paz - The Bolivian government confirmed Sunday at least 16 deaths from a regional insurrection in the Amazonian province of Pando as the army attempts to impose martial law.

A 17-year-old soldier was killed at the Cobija city airport by presumed assassins hired by the prefecture in rebellion against the government of President Evo Morales.

Right-wing opposition groups in the resource-rich areas of the country began rising up against the Morales administration's policies to redistribute wealth late last week.

Regional forces demanding more autonomy and a greater share of the profit from oil and gas production clashed with government troops in Pando, Santa Cruz, Tarija and Beni departments.

Pando Governor Leopoldo Fernandez and the Morales government both accused each other for inciting the violence.

Morales also expelled US ambassador Philip Goldberg, whom he blamed for conspiring with opposition groups to foment rebellion the country.

The provincial governors are demanding the restoration of their 30 per cent share of the tax on hydrocarbons, which Morales diverted to fund his social agenda for the country's poor.

Morales said allied organizations of his Movement toward Socialism were willing to discuss the tax issues and proposed constitutional amendments regarding regional autonomy.

"They (leftist social groups) have told me that they would be disposed to revise of the constitution if it will help pacify the country," Morales said. (dpa)