The Bolivian government announced yesterday, Thursday, the arrest of 17 individuals from the Bolivian army following an attempted coup that was thwarted.

Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo said at a press conference, "We will dismantle this anti-democratic network, and we will not rest until all those responsible are brought to justice. It is time to take the coup plotters off the streets and put them behind bars."

On Wednesday, the Bolivian army occupied the square in front of the government palace in La Paz with armored vehicles and attempted to breach the gates. The attempt ended with the arrest of the alleged coup leader, General Juan José Zuniga.

Vice Admiral Juan Arnez Salvador was also among those arrested.

As the main alleged perpetrators of the coup attempt, the two men are accused of armed rebellion against the security and sovereignty of the country. They could face a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

Del Castillo stated that there were various groups responsible for the preparation, organization, and coordination of the coup attempt. The minister added that three other reserve individuals suspected of involvement in the coup attempt are still at large.

The government reported that nine people were injured in the failed coup attempt.

It was initially unclear whether there were civilians among the injured.

Soldiers took control of Murillo Square in front of the government palace in La Paz on Wednesday, and armored vehicles breached its gates.

This was followed by a verbal altercation in the hallways of the building between Zuniga, who was surrounded by heavily armed soldiers, and Bolivia's leftist President Luis Arce.

Ultimately, Arce arrested the coup planners, appointed new military leaders, and ordered the withdrawal of troops from around the government palace.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the coup attempt. Initial reports suggested that the coup attempt might have resulted from the possibility of former President Evo Morales running for the presidential elections.