Bolivian authorities announced last night that four more military personnel had been arrested in connection with the thwarted coup against the government of President Luis Arce and thus expanded the scope of the case in the case that shocked the South American country, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
High-ranking cabinet member Eduardo del Castillo told a news conference that the newly arrested included the driver of the tank that repeatedly crashed into the door of government headquarters on Wednesday, as well as a former infantry captain accused of giving orders to soldiers who stormed the central square "Murillo" in the capital.
The total number of those arrested is 21 people, including General Juan Jose Zuniga, who led the failed coup attempt.
About 200 military personnel participated in the coup attempt, Bolivia's ambassador to the Organization of American States said on Thursday.
"These people ordered the destruction of Bolivian heritage," said Del Castillo.
Zuniga, who is the commander-in-chief of the Bolivian army, was arrested on Wednesday and claimed, without providing evidence, that Arce ordered him to carry out the rebellion.
Zuniga has argued that the takeover was a stunt aimed at boosting Arce's declining popularity as he struggles to cope with the country's weakening economy, deepening political divisions and simmering public discontent. Arce categorically rejects these accusations.