Bolivian president warns 'irregular' military deployment under way in capital, raising coup fears

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Bolivian President Luis Arce warned Wednesday that an "irregular" deployment of troops was taking place in the capital, raising concerns that a potential coup was underway.

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He called for "democracy to be respected" on a message on his X account, which came as Bolivian television showed two tanks and a number of military in front of the government palace.

A soldier gestures for journalists to leave Plaza Murillo as soldiers gather outside the presidential palace in Plaza Murillo in La Paz, Bolivia, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Bolivian President Luis Arce warned Wednesday that an "irregular" deployment of troops was taking place in the capital, raising concerns that a potential coup was underway.  (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

Presidential Minister María Nela Prada said military and tanks were taking over Plaza Murillo in La Paz, calling it an "attempted coup d’état." The people are "on alert to defend democracy," she said to local television station Red Uno.

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The general commander of the army, Juan José Zúñiga, present in the same square, confirmed that there was a movement of uniformed officers, and said: "We are upset by the affront, enough is enough." Without giving further details of what he was referring to, he spoke on television of "attacks on democracy."