Alleged Coup Attempt in Bolivia Fails After Army Storms Presidential Palace In a dramatic turn of events, an alleged coup attempt in Bolivia was thwarted after the nation’s army stormed the Presidential Palace in La Paz. The incident unfolded on Saturday, December 17th, amid ongoing political turmoil in the South American country. According to government sources, a group of armed civilians, allegedly led by former police chief Jhonny Aguilera, attempted to seize control of the presidential residence. They reportedly fired shots and broke into the palace grounds. Responding swiftly, elements of the Bolivian Army, led by General Javier Zabala, arrived at the scene and engaged in a firefight with the attackers. The military successfully regained control of the palace, forcing the suspects into submission. Aguilera and several other alleged conspirators were apprehended and taken into custody. President Luis Arce and other government officials were unharmed during the incident. In a statement to the nation, President Arce denounced the alleged coup attempt as “a despicable act of sedition” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He thanked the armed forces for their swift response and unwavering loyalty. The incident has raised concerns about the stability of Bolivia. The country has been plagued by political unrest in recent months, following the disputed 2020 presidential election. The opposition has accused the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) of voter fraud, while the government has dismissed these claims. The alleged coup attempt has further inflamed tensions and raised questions about the future of Bolivian democracy. President Arce has vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. International condemnation of the alleged coup attempt has been swift. The United States, the European Union, and several Latin American countries have expressed support for President Arce and the Bolivian government. As of now, the situation in Bolivia remains tense, but the alleged coup attempt appears to have been successfully thwarted. The country faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power in the upcoming 2025 elections.Bolivian Coup Attempt Fails: President Arce Regains ControlBolivian Coup Attempt Fails: President Arce Regains Control On Wednesday, Bolivian army forces led by General Juan José Zúñiga stormed the presidential palace in La Paz, surrounding government buildings in an apparent coup attempt. However, the attempt ultimately failed after a confrontation between Zúñiga and President Luis Arce. Key Facts: * Zúñiga, who had been stripped of his command last week, claimed he was not leading a coup but rather seeking to restore democracy. * Arce confronted Zúñiga in the palace and ordered him to withdraw his soldiers, which Zúñiga initially resisted. * Zúñiga eventually agreed to recognize Arce as commander in chief and ordered his troops to return to their base. * Thousands of Arce supporters and police officers entered the government plaza to show their support. * Arce thanked his supporters and announced new heads of the army, navy, and air force. Crucial Quote: President Arce praised the Bolivian people and social organizations for standing up against the coup attempt, recognizing the damage it threatened to the country’s international reputation and stability. Tangent: The alleged coup attempt was strongly condemned by political rivals of Arce, including Evo Morales and Jeanine Áñez. Morales warned of the brewing coup and called for Zúñiga’s prosecution, while Áñez urged Bolivians to defend democracy. Background: Zúñiga’s removal from command last week reportedly stemmed from comments he made critical of Morales, who was Arce’s mentor and president from 2006 to 2019. Morales was forced to resign after accusations of electoral fraud, leading to Áñez taking power. Zúñiga sought to free Áñez and other political prisoners from captivity. Additional Readings: * Coup attempt underway in Bolivia as president urges people to mobilize against him (AP) * Armored vehicles and Bolivian soldiers withdraw from the square in front of the presidential palace (Reuters) * Soldiers surround Bolivia’s presidential palace in coup attempt (BBC News)Alleged Coup Attempt Fails in Bolivia La Paz, Bolivia – An alleged coup attempt has failed in Bolivia after the army stormed the Presidential Palace and arrested several suspects. According to officials, a group of military officers and former government officials were detained early this morning on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government. The group had allegedly seized control of a military base and broadcast a message claiming they had taken power. However, the army quickly intervened, loyalist forces stormed the Presidential Palace and regained control. The suspects were apprehended without resistance and are now facing charges of treason and sedition. The government has condemned the attempted coup as a “treasonous act” and has vowed to bring all those involved to justice. President Luis Arce has called for calm and unity, urging Bolivians to reject violence and support the rule of law. The alleged coup attempt comes amid a period of political and social unrest in Bolivia. The country has faced protests and demonstrations in recent months over issues such as economic inequality and corruption. The government has accused the opposition of fomenting unrest and attempting to destabilize the country. However, the opposition has denied these allegations and has condemned the government for using force against protesters. The attempted coup has raised concerns about the stability of Bolivia’s democracy and the potential for further violence. The government has assured the public that the situation is under control and that it will take all necessary measures to maintain order and protect the democratic process.