Bolivian general Juan Jose Zúñiga, the alleged leader of Wednesday's failed coup attempt at the government palace, was attacked and arrested by a mob on live television, a video showed.
Chaos erupted in the South American country after Zuniga reportedly led troops into the presidential palace. Video showed swarms of troops attempting to take it over. But despite the attempt, Bolivian President Luis Arce appointed a new military commander and vowed to stand his ground. according to To the Associated Press. (Related: Bolivian troops storm presidential palace in possible coup attempt)
A video posted to Twitter showed a standoff between Mr Arce and Mr Zuniga inside the palace, with the pair standing opposite each other and with supporters behind them.
“Withdraw all forces immediately, that's an order,” Arce said. “That's an order. General, will you not obey me?”
BREAKING: Video of confrontation between Bolivia's president and general involved in attempted coup
(Source: redstreamnet) pic.twitter.com/eZugWluOMy
— Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 26, 2024
Arce's supporters stormed the presidential palace to defend him, but soldiers retreated behind a line of military vehicles, according to the Associated Press. Additional footage from Bolivian television showed Zuniga surrounded by what appeared to be reporters and then being attacked and arrested by a mob.
BREAKING: Bolivian general arrested on live TV after failed coup attempt pic.twitter.com/9WN2OJ6u7g
— Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 26, 2024
Before his arrest, Zúñiga claimed that President Arce had asked him to lead a coup, according to the Associated Press.
“The president told me: 'The situation is very bad, very critical. I need to prepare something to increase my popularity,'” Zúñiga told reporters, according to the Associated Press.
