Several Bolivian army units seized government headquarters in La Paz, appearing to indicate a coup in the South American country. The attempt was commanded by military commander Juan José Zúñiga, who moved several units and armored cars into the center of the capital. The general was eventually detained by authorities after troops invaded the presidential palace.
In the afternoon, Bolivian President Luis Arce condemned the military’s “irregular movements” in La Paz, which coincided with the country’s former President Evo Morales’ call for a “national mobilization to defend democracy.” The former president accuses Juan José Zúñiga of leading an “anti-democracy” campaign in the country.
General Zúñiga was removed as army chief on Tuesday and announced that “for now” he recognizes Arce as head of the armed forces, but that there will be changes in the executive branch.
Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa also told the international community about the irregular mobilization of army units, which is “harmful to democracy, peace and security in the country.”
The new military command ordered troops led by General Juan José Zuniga to return home, and hours later armored vehicles and soldiers withdrew from the vicinity of the presidential palace after President Luis Arce appointed new military leaders.
Bolivian police also took control of the situation.