Bolivian Military general arrested after failed coup attempt

In a dramatic turn of events, Bolivian authorities have arrested General Juan José Zúñiga, the country’s former army commander, who is accused of leading a botched coup attempt against the government. The arrest came after a group of armed soldiers attempted to storm the national palace in La Paz, prompting President Luis Arce to denounce the move as an attempted coup d’état.

According to eyewitnesses, the military vehicle rammed into the entrance of the presidential palace and soldiers entered the building, while others took control of Plaza Murillo, a historic central square. President Arce addressed the nation, calling on Bolivians to mobilize against the coup plotters and promising to protect democracy.

Zúñiga, who was seen in military uniform outside the palace, claimed that he was acting on behalf of the country’s three armed forces chiefs and expressed their dissatisfaction with the government. He also demanded the release of several jailed politicians, including former president Jeanine Áñez and Luis Fernando Camacho.

However, authorities disputed Zúñiga’s claims, saying that he was seeking to boost his popularity and undermine the democratically elected government. Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo revealed that Zúñiga had been involved in secret meetings with other high-ranking military officials and had planned the coup attempt for months.

The arrest of Zúñiga marks a significant blow to the coup plotters, and President Arce has praised the swift action taken by security forces to restore order. The country remains on high alert as authorities investigate the attempted coup and work to ensure that it does not happen again in the future.