Bolivian President Luis Arce refuted on Friday allegations of involvement in a coup conspiracy with his former army chief, who was arrested Thursday after deploying troops and tanks to La Paz.

The incident involved an attempt to breach the presidential palace, resulting in injuries to fourteen civilians who opposed the coup, some requiring hospitalization and surgery, Arce informed the press.

Authorities displayed handcuffed detainees to the media, announcing 17 arrests, including ex-army chief Juan Jose Zuniga. Following the failed coup, riot police heightened security around government buildings.

In his first public statement since quelling the coup attempt, Arce denied any collusion with Zuniga. The former army chief claimed that he was acting on orders, suggesting that the president aimed to enhance his popularity through a crackdown.

"How could one order or plan a coup on one's self?" Arce told reporters.

Accompanied by soldiers and tanks outside the presidential palace, Zuniga stated that the armed forces aimed to reform Bolivia's democracy, advocating for a more inclusive governance structure after decades of rule by a select few.

"The armed forces intend to restructure democracy, to make it a true democracy and not one run by the same few people for 30, 40 years," he said.

Shortly afterward, the military presence withdrew from Plaza Murillo, and local TV aired footage of Zuniga's arrest.

Bolivia's naval chief, Juan Arnez Salvador, was also apprehended. Both individuals are charged with terrorism and armed uprising, potentially facing up to 20 years in prison, according to prosecutors.

Dive deeper

Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo disclosed that a total of 17 individuals have been detained, comprising both current and former military members, as well as civilians, in connection with the attempted coup. Authorities are actively pursuing other suspects involved in the incident.

The government publicly released a recording of a conversation between Arce and Zuniga, held at the entrance of the presidential residence amid a military presence. In the recording, Arce instructs his army chief to immediately return his troops to their barracks.

Zuniga responded with a firm "No" but departed the presidential palace shortly afterward.

President Arce, 60 years old, declared on the social media platform X, "We are going to defend democracy and the will of the Bolivian people, whatever the cost!"

The attempted coup took an unexpected turn when Zuniga informed reporters that Arce had orchestrated a staged uprising to provoke a crackdown, aiming to enhance his image and boost his popularity.

"It is absolutely false," said close presidential aide Maria Nela Prada.

International support and condemnations 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced on Thursday his intention to visit his "friend" Luis Arce to show support following the unrest in Bolivia. In an interview for Itatiaia radio, Lula stated he would travel to Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia to "stand by Luis Arce and reinforce democracy."

Russia's Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the attempted military coup on Thursday, denouncing any foreign interference that could destabilize the South American nation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the peaceful resolution of the situation, as conveyed by his spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Earlier, Guterres had expressed concern over the failed coup attempt.

The coup attempt also drew condemnations from Madrid, Washington, and various countries across Latin America.

Read more: Bolivia decries Israeli obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip