17 arrested following coup attempt in Bolivia

Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo announced in a press briefing that 17 people had been arrested for their involvement in the coup attempt against the government.

Among those detained are former General Jose Zuniga and Vice Admiral Juan Arnez. Castillo noted that several other individuals connected to the coup attempt are still being sought.

Castillo reminded the public that the coup attempt had been planned since last May. "The aim was to overthrow the Arce government. This plan was orchestrated by Zuniga and Arnez," he stated.

Local media reported that the detainees are accused of "armed insurrection and terrorism" and could face up to 20 years in prison.

Gratitude to Condemning Leaders

President Arce expressed his gratitude to the leaders who condemned the coup attempt via his social media account on platform X.

"We will defend democracy and the will of the Bolivian people at any cost. We are grateful for the solidarity shown by the heads of state of brotherly countries and the international community in the face of this coup attempt against our legitimately elected government. You stood by democracy, and we salute and thank you all," Arce posted.

What Has Happened?

President Arce had earlier pointed out that some military units in the country had acted unlawfully and called on the army to respect democracy.

Footage shared on social media showed a military armored vehicle attempting to force its way into the government palace in La Paz, the administrative capital.

Citizens protesting against the soldiers were met with tear gas and water cannons.

Arce had a face-to-face confrontation with former commander Jose Zuniga, who attempted to storm the government palace, demanding the soldiers' immediate withdrawal. Addressing the nation, Arce urged the public to remain calm. In response, thousands of people took to the streets to protest the coup attempt.

Following orders from the newly appointed commander of the Bolivian army, Jose Wilson Sanchez, the soldiers involved in the coup attempt returned to their barracks. Former commander Zuniga, who led the coup attempt against the Arce government, was detained at the request of the prosecutor's office.