The president of the nation, Luis Arce, issued a warning on X that there had been a “irregular” deployment of troops and urged “democracy to be respected” as Bolivian TV displayed two tanks and several soldiers in front of the presidential palace in La Paz.
According to a Bolivian TV video, Mr. Arce confronted Juan José Zuniga, an army general who appeared to be leading the uprising, in the palace corridor. He was told, “I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers, and I will not allow this insubordination.”
“Our country, our state cannot go on like this,” General Zuniga told reporters in the plaza prior to entering the building. “Surely soon there will be a new cabinet of ministers.”
General Zuniga acknowledged President Arce as the commander in chief, but, “for the time being.”
The attorney general launched an inquiry against the general, which led to his current arrest, according to Bolivian officials.
