Bolivian army chief arrested following failed coup attempt

LA PAZ, Bolivia: A top military commander on Wednesday was arrested following a failed coup attempt at Bolivia’s government palace.

General Juan José Zúñiga was apprehended hours after he allegedly tried to have Bolivia’s incumbent leadership forcefully removed from power.

“Within hours, the nation of 12 million people saw a rapidly moving scenario in which the troops seemed to take control of the government of President Luis Arce. He vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander, who immediately ordered the troops to stand down,” AP reported.

The report stated that the soldiers pulled back in compliance with the president’s orders, ending the rebellion three hours after it had begun.

“Hundreds of Arce’s supporters then rushed the square outside the palace, waving Bolivian flags, singing the national anthem and cheering. The soldiers’ retreat was followed by the arrest of army chief Gen. Juan José Zúñiga, after the attorney general opened an investigation,” AP added.

A top government official confirmed former navy Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador was apprehended in addition to General Zúñiga.