Bolivian Soldiers Withdraw and General Is Arrested After Apparent Coup Attempt

On November 12, 2021, a group of Bolivian soldiers attempted to overthrow the government in what appeared to be a coup attempt. The soldiers, who were reportedly unhappy with the current government’s handling of the country’s economic and political crises, took control of several key government buildings in the capital city of La Paz.

However, their coup attempt was short-lived as other military units quickly intervened to restore order. In a swift and decisive operation, the Bolivian military managed to retake control of the government buildings and arrest the soldiers involved in the coup attempt.

In a surprising turn of events, the leader of the coup attempt, General Miguel Angel Mendoza, was arrested by the military and is currently being held in custody. General Mendoza, who was the head of the Army’s Special Forces unit, is believed to have been the mastermind behind the coup attempt.

The Bolivian government has condemned the coup attempt as a “dangerous and irresponsible act” and has vowed to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. President Luis Arce, who was in Venezuela at the time of the coup attempt, has called for calm and unity in the country.

The attempted coup has raised concerns about the stability of Bolivia’s government and the role of the military in politics. Bolivia has a history of military coups, with several coups taking place in the 20th century. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years towards establishing a stable democracy.

The international community has also expressed concern over the situation in Bolivia, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The United Nations and the Organization of American States have called for dialogue and respect for democratic institutions in Bolivia.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the repercussions of the coup attempt will be for Bolivia and its government. The arrest of General Mendoza and the withdrawal of the soldiers involved in the coup attempt are positive signs that the country’s democratic institutions are still intact and able to withstand such challenges.