CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On Wednesday, hundreds of troops and armoured vehicles took position outside Bolivia’s government palace in an attempted coup led by a top general who vowed to “restore democracy.” Over 12 million Bolivians watched as one armoured vehicle smashed down the main gate of the presidential palace, allowing soldiers to enter.
But President Luis Arce immediately took control of the situation, ordering the troops to stand down. Arce directly addressed the general commander of the army — Juan José Zúñiga, who appeared to be leading the rebellion. “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination.”
Soon the soldiers began pulling back, along with a line of military vehicles, ending the rebellion. Gen Zúñiga was arrested after the attorney general opened an investigation. Besides Zúñiga, former Navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador was also taken into custody. Both men were dismissed by President Luis Arce and replaced after the uprising began.
