CNN International

Buenos Aires, Argentina — 3:45 a.m. Local Time

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time, an unconventional militia group calling itself “The Red Shield” launched coordinated protests across several districts of Buenos Aires and surrounding cities.

The group’s leader, Leonard Bernard Michael Lucchese, appeared in a pre-recorded video posted to social media, accusing the current administration of systemic corruption and betrayal of the people’s trust. He declared that the movement’s ultimate goal was a “transfer of power to the people.”

According to local reports, clashes have broken out in parts of southern Buenos Aires between protesters and security forces. Witnesses describe warning shots being fired, while police have established barricades around key government buildings.

The Argentine government has issued an emergency statement, calling for calm and vowing to maintain order:

“Any unlawful attempt to alter the nation’s leadership will not be tolerated. The government stands firm in defense of democracy.”

Unofficial sources suggest that several Red Shield members have been detained near the city of La Plata, though no official confirmation has yet been released.

Security forces remain on high alert, and authorities are closely monitoring social media activity related to the movement.

Further updates are expected throughout the morning as the situation continues to unfold.