An army general's coup attempt to oust the Bolivian president lasted only three hours on Wednesday before he ended up behind bar, according to a report.
Troops loyal to Gen. Juan José Zúñiga, who had recently been dismissed, seized control of La Paz's main square with armored vehicles on Wednesday and crashed a tank into the presidential palace during the failed attempt to overthrow President Luis Arce, the Associated Press reported.
The short-lived rebellion ended hours later as Arce refused to step down and instead appointed a new army commander who promptly ordered the troops to retreat.
Zúñiga was quickly arrested.
"Here we are, firm, in the presidential palace, to confront any coup attempt," Arce said after putting down the coup, the AP reported.
Throngs of supporters streamed into the streets, singing the national anthem, cheering for Arce and setting off fireworks.
Bolivians rallied outside the palace on Thursday, shouting pro-democracy slogans and condemning Zúñiga.
"It's a shame what Zúñiga did," said Dora Quispe, 47, one of the protesters. "We are in a democracy, not a dictatorship, and Luis Arce must be allowed to govern."
The crowds in the plaza pledged their loyalty to Arce.
"Lucho, you are not alone!" they yelled, referring to Arce by his nickname Lucho.
