Bolivia Coup Attempt Fails

Troops Sent to Seize Government Palace

Country has History of Political Instability

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Armored vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia's government palace Wednesday in an apparent coup attempt against President Luis Arce, but the military quickly declared its loyalty to the government and the plotters were arrested.

The incident underscored the deep political divisions in Bolivia, which has a long history of coups and political instability. In recent years, the country has been plagued by protests and social unrest, and Arce's government has been accused of authoritarianism.

The attempted coup began early Wednesday morning when troops loyal to Gen. Juan José Zúñiga, the commander of the army, seized the Plaza Murillo, the main square in La Paz.

The troops fired shots into the air and used tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters who had gathered in the square. Zúñiga then declared himself president and ordered the arrest of Arce and other government officials.

However, the military quickly declared its loyalty to Arce and the plotters were arrested within hours. Zúñiga was taken into custody and is now facing charges of treason.

Arce, who was unharmed in the coup attempt, thanked the military for its loyalty and vowed to bring the plotters to justice.

"This is a dark day for Bolivia," Arce said in a televised address to the nation. "But we will overcome this challenge and we will emerge stronger than ever."