La Paz, 27 June 2024 – A failed coup attempt led by General Juan Jose Zuniga, a former army chief, resulted in his arrest on Wednesday, June 26, local time, as reported by the Associated Press.

The coup attempt saw rebel forces raiding the presidential residence in an effort to overthrow the government. General Zuniga, who spearheaded the coup, was detained, but his current location remains unknown following the arrest. Zuniga was recently dismissed from his position as commander of the military.

In his statement, General Zuniga claimed he aimed to reform the democratic system in Bolivia. The coup plotters positioned themselves with armored vehicles in Murillo Square, a key area in the capital city of La Paz, and attempted to breach the main gate of the president's residence with a tank. The attempted coup was met with resistance from both the security forces and supporters of the president, leading to Zuniga's arrest.

In response to the coup attempt, Jose Wilson Sanchez has been appointed as the new army chief. Following Sanchez's call, the rebel soldiers returned to their barracks. The president condemned the coup attempt in a televised speech, reaffirming the government's commitment to maintaining order and stability.

The failed coup underscores the ongoing political tensions in Bolivia, highlighting the fragile nature of the country’s democratic institutions. The situation remains closely monitored as the government seeks to restore normalcy and address the underlying causes of the unrest.