Military Coup Attempt Fails In Bolivia

A coup attempt in Bolivia aimed at ousting President Luis Arce has failed as armed forces who invaded the presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday evening pulled back and an army general was arrested.

President Arce slammed the “coup” attempt and called for international support as the South American nation look to bounce back from the unrest caused by some elements in the military.

Earlier on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, some members of the country’s military, led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, who was recently stripped of his military command, carried out an onslaught in the central Plaza Murillo square, where the presidential palace and Congress are stationed.

An eyewitness told Reuters that an armoured vehicle rammed the door of the presidential palace and soldiers rushed in.

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While the coup plotters continued with their attempt, President Arce said Bolivia “is facing an attempted coup d’état.”

“Today the country faces once again interests so that democracy in Bolivia is cut short.

“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 after Arce’s speech, the eyewitness said soldiers withdrew from the palace and police regained control of the plaza.

General Zuniga was arrested by Bolivian authorities and taken to a destination that is still unknown to the press or public.

President Arce swore in José Wilson Sanchez in the presidential palace as the new military commander and called for calm and order in the nation.

“I order that all personnel mobilized on the streets return to their units,” Sanchez said as commander.

“We entreat that the blood of our soldiers not be spilled.”