Bolivian government detains 4 more military officers linked to a failed coup attempt

Bolivian officials arrest 21 military officers linked to thwarted coup against President Luis Arce, sparking political turmoil.

Bolivian officials announced on June 28 that they had arrested four more military officers in connection with Wednesday's thwarted coup against the government of President Luis Arce, raising to 21 the number of detainees allegedly linked to a rogue general's mutiny attempt.

In a press conference, senior Cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo said those arrested include the driver of a tank that repeatedly rammed into the doors of the government headquarters and a former infantry captain accused of giving orders to soldiers who took over the capital's central Plaza Murillo.

“These people commanded the destruction of Bolivian heritage,” Mr. del Castillo said.

The coup attempt was led by Juan José Zuñiga, who until his public sacking and arrest on Wednesday was the commanding general of the army. Mr. Zuñiga has alleged, without providing evidence, that Mr. Arce ordered him to carry out the rebellion in a ruse to boost his flagging popularity as he struggles to manage a spiralling economy and bubbling public discontent.

Mr. Arce vigorously denied accusations that he had carried out a “self-coup” to garner political support.

The embattled president is vying for control of his ruling socialist party with powerful ex-President Evo Morales ahead of next year's presidential election.

The political feud has left Bolivians disillusioned and bewildered as to what happened during those three chaotic hours on Wednesday when tanks rolled into downtown Mr. La Paz and Mr. Arce confronted the putschists face-to-face and ordered Zuñiga to stand down.