Failed Coup in Bolivia: Military Officers Arrested, Face Lengthy Prison Terms

In a dramatic turn of events, a dozen Bolivian military officers have been arrested following an attempted coup on Wednesday, which saw troops storming the presidential palace in La Paz. A senior government minister announced on Thursday that these officers could face prison sentences ranging from 15 to 30 years.

The brief but intense coup attempt began with sacked military commander Juan Jose Zuniga gathering troops in La Paz's main square. Using an armored vehicle, they breached the doors of the presidential palace, allowing soldiers to rush inside. However, the assault quickly faltered as the soldiers withdrew, and police forces regained control of the plaza.

President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt and swiftly appointed a new top general. Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo revealed that Zuniga had been informed on Tuesday evening of his dismissal due to conduct that "was not in line with the Constitution." Del Castillo noted that Zuniga initially appeared calm upon receiving the news.

"No one could have imagined that the next day, before the official handover, there would be a failed coup in our country," del Castillo remarked in an interview with TV station Unitel.

The swift arrest and impending prosecution of the involved officers signal the government's firm stance against such acts of insurrection, aiming to maintain constitutional order and deter future attempts at destabilization. The incident has sparked widespread attention and concern, highlighting the volatile political climate in the Andean nation.