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Coup attempt in Bolivia suppressed: Coup leader General Zuniga detained

The coup attempt in Bolivia, led by General Juan Jose Zuniga who was dismissed yesterday, has ended in failure. Following the orders of the newly appointed Chief of General Staff, Sanchez, by President Arce, soldiers surrounding the presidential palace returned to their units. It was also stated that the coup leader, General Zuniga, has been detained.

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In the South American country of Bolivia, heavily armed soldiers and armored vehicles gathered in Plaza Murillo, where government buildings are located in the center of the capital.

Bolivian President Lucho Arce stated on the social media platform X, “We condemn the irregular mobilization of some units of the Bolivian Army. Democracy must be respected.”

CALL FOR DEMOCRACY FROM MORALES

Former President Evo Morales, who governed Bolivia for nearly 14 years, also posted on social media, “A coup is brewing. At this moment, personnel from the Armed Forces and tanks are being deployed in Plaza Murillo. Call on social movements in rural and urban areas to defend democracy.”

Morales said, "We will not allow the armed forces to violate democracy and intimidate the people."

"A NEW CABINET WILL BE FORMED"

Bolivian Army commander Juan Jose Zuniga stated that a new cabinet would be formed.

"OUR COUNTRY CAN NO LONGER CONTINUE LIKE THIS"

In a statement to a local channel in the square where the soldiers gathered, General Juan Jose Zuniga claimed that the coup attempt was supported by the public. Zuniga said, "Everything will change, our country can no longer continue like this. Stop destroying and impoverishing our country."

According to the Bolivian press, Zuniga said, “Enough of impoverishing our country and humiliating the army.”

COUP PLOTTERS WITHDREW

The new Chief of General Staff, José Luis Sánchez, appointed by President Luis Arce in Bolivia, ordered the military units to return to their barracks.

Following Sanchez’s order, it was observed that the soldiers surrounding the presidential palace began to leave the area.

FORMER COMMANDER ZUNIGA DETAINED

According to the news on CGTN Türk; General Zuniga, who led the coup attempt, withdrew from the Presidential Palace after the attempt resulted in failure.

Deputy Minister of Interior Jhonny Aguilera called out to the coup-plotting general, saying, “We will come after you, Zuniga, you will be imprisoned.”

General Juan Jose Zuniga, who was responsible for the units that took control of the square, was detained following the coup attempt.

CALL FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

The Bolivian government called on the international community to support the country's legitimate government against the backdrop of the coup attempt.

President Arce addressed the nation and called on citizens to defend democracy. Arce stated, “The president and ministers of Bolivia are at their posts, and I invite the people to stand up for democracy. The soldiers must withdraw immediately and return to their duties. I want them to respect democracy and the constitution.”

Meanwhile, General Zuniga, who led the coup, demanded the release of pro-US far-right figures who carried out the 2019 coup and were later imprisoned after the leftists won the elections, including former President Jeanine Añez.

WHAT DID WHICH COUNTRY SAY?

CUBA

Making statements against the coup attempt, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel said, “We reject the coup attempt that is taking place and convey all the solidarity of the Cuban Government and its people to brother Luis Arce.”

PERU

The Peruvian administration also stated in a declaration that they condemned the coup attempt in Bolivia, adding, “Peru supports the people and the constitutional government of President Luis Arce and rejects any action that threatens the democratic and institutional order of the country.”

MADURO

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro also condemned the coup against Luis Arce in Bolivia, saying, “No to fascism.”

BOLIVIA

Bolivian President Arce characterized the events in La Paz as a coup attempt.

Bolivian President Luis Arce addressed the nation and characterized the events in La Paz as a coup attempt.

The Erbol portal reported that General Juan Jose Zuniga held a meeting with Arce and then left the government building with the soldiers accompanying him.

SPAIN

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez strongly condemned the “military uprising” in Bolivia and called for respect for democracy and the rule of law.

In his X message, Sanchez said, “Spain strongly condemns the military uprising in Bolivia. We send our support and solidarity to the Bolivian government and its people, and we call for respect for the rule of law and democracy.”

EU

The European Union (EU) announced that it condemned “any attempt to overthrow the elected government” in Bolivia.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell posted on his X account regarding the irregular mobilization of some military units in Bolivia.

Borrell stated, “The EU condemns any attempt to break the constitutional order in Bolivia and to overthrow the democratically elected government,” sending a message of solidarity with the Bolivian government and its people.

ARRESTED DURING LIVE BROADCAST

The coup-plotting general in Bolivia was arrested while giving an interview during a live broadcast.

Those moments became a trending topic on social media.

Here are those moments: