Bolivian Armed Forces Mobilize, Sparking Coup Fears

Bolivian President Luis Arce has announced the appointment of new heads for the army, navy, and air force amidst reports of an attempted coup. Military units had reportedly deployed armored vehicles to ram the doors of the government palace, prompting concerns of political instability in the South American nation.

La Paz, Bolivia - President Luis Arce of Bolivia has appointed new leaders for the army, navy, and air force, following an alleged coup attempt that involved military units using armored vehicles to damage the entrance of the government palace.

Bolivian Armed Forces Mobilize, Sparking Coup Fears

The announcement came as the country witnessed a surge in support for Arce, with protesters taking to the streets to express their opposition to the coup attempt.

"The country is facing an attempted coup d'état," Arce declared in a video message to the nation. "We are here, firm in Casa Grande, to confront any coup attempt."

Bolivian Armed Forces Mobilize, Sparking Coup Fears

Footage captured by video cameras showed troops setting up barricades outside the government palace. Arce condemned the actions of the rebel troops, accusing them of "staining the uniform" of the military.

The newly appointed army chief, José Wilson Sánchez, ordered all mobilized troops to return to their units. "No one wants the images we're seeing in the streets," he stated.

Bolivian Armed Forces Mobilize, Sparking Coup Fears

Subsequently, troops began to withdraw from the presidential palace. Arce confronted Army Gen. Juan José Zúñiga, who was recently relieved of his command and appeared to be leading the uprising, in the palace hallway.

"I am your captain, and I order you to withdraw your soldiers," Arce declared. "I will not allow this insubordination."

Bolivian Armed Forces Mobilize, Sparking Coup Fears

Arce appealed to all parties involved to "respect democracy." The United States expressed concern over the situation and urged calm and restraint.

Bolivia, a nation of 12 million inhabitants, has been rocked by escalating protests in recent months due to the country's economic decline, which has transformed it from one of the fastest-growing economies in the Americas to one of the most crisis-stricken.

The country has also been grappling with internal divisions within its ruling party, with Arce and former President Evo Morales, a leftist icon, engaged in a power struggle over the future of Bolivia's Movement for Socialism (MAS) party ahead of the 2025 elections.

The attempted coup drew widespread condemnation from regional leaders, including the Organization of American States, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and former Bolivian presidents.

The most recent coup attempt on the continent occurred in Peru in December 2022, when President Pedro Castillo was removed from office after attempting to dissolve Congress, declare a state of emergency, and rewrite the constitution.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the coup attempt in Bolivia, stating that Brazil "condemns any form of coup d'état" and reaffirms its commitment to democracy in the region.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.