Bolivian military police at the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz, 18 Oct 2007

Bolivian soldiers and police have taken control of an airport in the city of Santa Cruz in response to what authorities say have been incidents involving the departure of international flights.

Officials say security forces stormed the Viru Viru airport Thursday following reports that workers there were stopping some flights from leaving and demanding that airlines pay them landing fees in cash.

Authorities also say at least one soldier was wounded by gunfire during the incident and that three airport workers were arrested for carrying firearms.

The head of civil aviation, Javier Garcia, was quoted as saying the airport will remain militarized until the government is certain there will be no more disturbances.

Earlier this week, American Airlines and Brazil's GOL temporarily suspended service to Santa Cruz due to the conflict at Viru Viru.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.