Analysis-Bolivia coup fiasco lays bare a divided country in political, economic crisis

Demonstrators face members of Bolivia's military as Bolivia's President Luis Arce "denounced the irregular mobilization" of some units of the country's army in La Paz, Bolivia, June 26, 2024. REUTERS/Claudia Morales

LA PAZ (Reuters) - A coup attempt in Bolivia that saw soldiers take over La Paz's central square and ram the presidential palace with an armored truck was put down as abruptly as it started, but has laid bare a brewing economic and political crisis in the divided nation.

On Wednesday, military units led by rogue General Juan Jose Zuniga launched the attack on the government, but pulled back as it quickly became clear they had little support. The former armed forces commander was arrested on live TV.