The Minister of Government (Interior), Eduardo del Castillo, announced on Friday that authorities in Bolivia have detained four additional soldiers who were involved in the attempted coup against the government of Luis Arce on Wednesday. These soldiers were reportedly led by the dismissed commander general of the Army, Juan Jose Zuniga.
Del Castillo revealed at a press conference in the city of La Paz that infantry captain Miguel Burgos was responsible for coordinating the seizure of the Murillo Square in front of the government headquarters. He also identified Sergeant Allan Condorini as the operator of the tank that rammed the door of the Executive headquarters. Additionally, Air Force general Marcelo Zegarra is in custody pending further investigation.
These latest arrests bring the total number of detainees to 21 in what the minister referred to as a “Failed Coup.” Del Castillo emphasized that these individuals were responsible for the destruction of the country’s heritage. He noted that during the coup attempt, the military communicated through phone apps and FaceTime, avoiding social media.
Zuniga, the dismissed military chief, reportedly claimed that he was working to change the government cabinet and restore democracy in Bolivia. He mentioned intentions to free political prisoners, including former interim president Jeanine Anez and opposition governor Luis Fernando Camacho. Zuniga later withdrew his armed forces and was apprehended by authorities.
Del Castillo described Zuniga as a narcissist who referred to himself as the “People’s General” and a planetary leader. The minister suggested that Zuniga’s behaviors may need to be evaluated by psychiatrists. As tensions ease following the attempted coup, the government continues to investigate and hold those responsible for the destabilizing actions.