The situation in the Bolivian armed forces after the coup attempt is under complete control, Bolivian Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo told reporters.
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“We have complete and absolute control in the armed forces. Thanks to the military command, everything is now under control, an investigation will begin along conventional and military lines,” he said.
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“I want to tell citizens to return to a quiet life,” the minister added.
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On Wednesday, local media reported a military gathering at Plaza Murillo in La Paz, where government buildings are located. Special equipment was brought to the square. The military, led by General Juan José Zuniga, who, according to local media, had previously been dismissed as army commander, tried to break into the presidential palace using an armored personnel carrier. Bolivian leader Luis Arce called for respect for democracy and called what was happening an attempted coup. The heads of many foreign states came out in support of him.
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The riots in La Paz square lasted about three hours. All this time the president was inside the palace. He addressed the nation and appointed a new army command, which called on the military to leave the square. The soldiers carried out the order. General Zuniga and two other military leaders were arrested. Nine people were injured as a result of the coup attempt.
