In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, armored vehicles led by a high-ranking general stormed the government palace in Bolivia on Wednesday, purportedly to restore democracy.
President Luis Arce swiftly condemned the action as a coup attempt.
The rebellion was short-lived, with soldiers and military vehicles withdrawing after just three hours. This paved the way for jubilant celebrations by President Arce's supporters, who flooded the palace square, waving Bolivian flags, singing the national anthem, and cheering.
The failed coup led to the arrest of Army Chief General Juan José Zúñiga, who is now under investigation by the attorney general. Former Navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador was also taken into custody, marking a swift crackdown on the attempted uprising. Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo stated, "The goal was to overturn the democratically elected authority."
Late Wednesday, Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo assured the public that "everything is now under control." Surrounded by the new military chiefs appointed by Arce, Novillo declared that Bolivia had survived a "failed coup."
This attempted coup occurred amidst prolonged political tensions and infighting between President Luis Arce and his former ally, ex-President Evo Morales, over control of the ruling party. The country has also been grappling with a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by the political stalemate, with Morales' supporters in Congress consistently blocking Arce's efforts to secure debt relief and address economic issues.
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