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Bolivia's former President Evo Morales has departed for Mexico after accepting an offer of political asylum in the wake of what he has described as a "coup" against him by the country's military and opposition, CNN reports.

Morales' departure comes a day after his resignation as president -- a move which followed military intervention amid mass protests sparked by allegations of "serious irregularities" during last month's election.

Morales said in a tweet late Monday that he was leaving for Mexico, but will soon "return with more strength and energy."

"Sisters and brothers, I leave for Mexico, grateful for the detachment of the government of that brother town that gave us asylum to take care of our lives," he said. "It hurts to leave the country for political reasons, but I will always be alert."

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard confirmed in a tweet Monday night that Morales had boarded a Mexican government plane and that it had departed.

"The Mexican Air Force plane with Evo Morales on board has already taken off. In line with existing international conventions he is under the protection of Mexico. His life and integrity are secure," Ebrard wrote.

The tweet included an image of Morales draped in a Mexican flag while seated on a plane.

Unrest continued in Bolivia on Monday with violent clashes and looting throughout the administrative capital La Paz. Three people have died since the protests began and hundreds have been injured.

On Monday, the head of the Bolivian Armed Forces, Gen. Williams Kaliman, announced in a televised address that the military will carry out "joint operations" with police in order to "avoid blood and grief."

Kaliman said the armed forces will use force "proportionally" against "vandal groups that cause terror in the population." He added that the military will "never open fire" on the Bolivian population.

Protests mounted in the aftermath of the October 20 presidential election as the Bolivian opposition accused electoral authorities of manipulating the vote count in favor of the incumbent Morales -- the country's longtime socialist leader.

Morales denied the allegations and declared himself the winner over former President Carlos Mesa.