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    Bolivia Detains Additional Military Officers in Wake of Failed Coup Attempt

    World News 3 Mins Read

    The nation is now a banana republic. Is America far behind them at this point?

    Bolivian authorities reported on Friday that they had detained four additional military officers, bringing the total to 21, in relation to an unsuccessful coup attempt against President Luis Arce that took place on Wednesday. These arrests are linked to a mutiny orchestrated by a disgraced general.

    During a briefing, Eduardo del Castillo, a high-ranking government official, disclosed that the recent arrests included the operator of a tank that had attacked the doors of the governmental headquarters, as well as a former infantry captain who had directed soldiers during the occupation of Plaza Murillo, the main square in the capital.

    Del Castillo condemned the accused for their roles in damaging national heritage sites during the coup attempt. The mutiny was spearheaded by Juan José Zuñiga, a former army general who was removed from his post and arrested on the day of the coup. Zuñiga has claimed, without proof, that President Arce had instigated the coup as a strategy to lift his declining popularity amid economic troubles and increasing public dissatisfaction.

    President Arce firmly refuted these claims, denying any involvement in orchestrating the coup to gain political leverage. He finds himself in a challenging position, contending for leadership within his socialist party against influential former President Evo Morales, as the presidential election approaches next year. This internal conflict has caused confusion and disillusionment among the populace regarding the true events of the brief, tumultuous incident.

    Among those detained are a man suspected of intelligence gathering outside the presidential palace during the coup, and a sergeant who allegedly coordinated the operations using social media platforms including FaceTime.

    In La Paz, groups assembled outside a local jail where the detainees are being held, with some waiting to visit detained relatives and others demonstrating support for the government and demanding punishment for Zuñiga.

    Maria Tarifa, representing the detained generals, chose not to disclose case specifics, stating only that the families of the detainees are hoping for fair and objective justice. Zuñiga was seen being escorted through the jail premises, handcuffed and under heavy guard, while his wife sat nearby, visibly distressed.

    Major Points

    • Bolivian authorities arrested four more military officers, totaling 21 detainees, linked to a failed coup against President Luis Arce.
    • The arrests include a tank operator who attacked government headquarters and a former captain who led soldiers in taking over a central plaza.
    • The coup, allegedly led by former General Juan José Zuñiga, was claimed to be a ploy by President Arce to boost his popularity, a claim Arce denies.
    • The detainees are suspected of various roles, including intelligence gathering and coordinating the coup via social media.
    • Public reactions included gatherings at La Paz jail, with some supporting the government and others awaiting news on detained relatives.

    James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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