A top Military general has been arrested after a failed coup attempt in Bolivia.
President Luis Arce slammed the "coup" attempt against the government and called for international support.
Earlier in the day, military units led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, recently stripped of his military command, had gathered in the central Plaza Murillo square, home to the presidential palace and Congress. A Reuters witness saw an armored vehicle ram a door of the presidential palace and soldiers rush in.
"Today the country is facing an attempted coup d'état. Today the country faces once again interests so that democracy in Bolivia is cut short," Arce said in comments from the presidential palace, with armed soldiers outside.
"The Bolivian people are summoned today. We need the Bolivian people to organize and mobilize against the coup d'état in favor of democracy."
A few hours later, a Reuters witness observed the military leaving the area and police taking control of the plaza. Although their destination was unknown, Bolivian officials detained and took Zuniga.
Inside the presidential palace, Arce swore in José Wilson Sanchez as military commander, Zuniga's previous position. He pleaded for peace and order to be restored.
"I order that all personnel mobilized on the streets return to their units," Sanchez said. "We entreat that the blood of our soldiers not be spilled."
The United States closely followed the situation and encouraged calm and moderation.
Tensions have been growing in Bolivia ahead of the 2025 general elections. Leftist ex-President Evo Morales is set to run against longtime ally Arce, creating a major rift in the ruling socialist party and wider political uncertainty.
-1732277552.jpg)
