La Paz: Two Bolivian army leaders were arrested Wednesday after soldiers and tanks took up position in front of government buildings in what President Luis Arce called an attempted coup.
The troops and tanks entered Plaza Murillo, a historic square where the presidency and Congress are situated, in the afternoon, prompting global condemnation of an attack on democracy.
One of the tanks tried to break down a metal door of the presidential palace.
Surrounded by soldiers and eight tanks, the now-dismissed army chief General Juan Jose Zuniga said the “armed forces intend to restructure democracy, to make it a true democracy and not one run by the same few people for 30, 40 years.”
AFP reporters saw soldiers and tanks pulling back from the square shortly after. The uprising lasted about five hours.
Zuniga was captured and forced into a police car as he addressed reporters outside a military barracks later on Wednesday, footage on state television showed.
“General, you are under arrest,” Deputy Interior Minister Jhonny Aguilera told Zuniga.
A second senior military officer Juan Arnez Salvador, who was head of the Bolivian navy, was also arrested Wednesday night.
Salvador’s arrest was announced by Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo, who said that Zuniga and Arnez are “two military coup leaders who tried to destroy democracy and the institutionality of our country and failed.”
Speaking from a balcony of the government palace, Arce told hundreds of supporters that “No one can take away the democracy we have won.”
He had urged “the Bolivian people to organize and mobilize against the coup d’etat in favor of democracy,” in an earlier televised message to the country alongside his ministers inside the presidential palace.
He fired Zuniga and Salvador and swore in a new set of military leaders.
Before he was arrested, Zuniga told reporters that the president had told him to stage an uprising, in order to trigger a crackdown that would make him look strong and boost his sagging approval rating.
At a meeting Sunday, the general said, Zuniga asked Arce “so we bring out armored vehicles?” He said the president answered, “bring them out.”
Arce’s instructions were to “stage something to raise his popularity,” Zuniga said.
Former president Evo Morales wrote on social media platform X that “a coup d’etat is brewing” and urged a “national mobilization to defend democracy.”
Bolivia is deeply polarized after years of political instability and the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party is riven by internal conflict between supporters of Arce and his former mentor Morales.
Morales, who was Bolivia’s first Indigenous president, was extremely popular until he tried to bypass the constitution and seek a fourth term in office in 2019.
The leftist and former coca union leader won that vote but was forced to resign amid deadly protests over alleged election fraud, and fled the country.
He returned after Arce won the presidency in October 2020.
Since then a power struggle has grown between the two men, and Morales has increasingly criticized the government and accused it of corruption, tolerating drug trafficking, and sidelining him politically.
Six months ago, the Constitutional Court disqualified Morales from the 2025 elections, however he is still seeking nomination as the MAS candidate.
Arce has not said whether he will seek re-election.
Zuniga appeared on television on Monday and said he would arrest Morales if he insisted on running for office again in 2025.
“Legally he is disqualified, that man cannot be president of this country again,” he said.
Since that interview, rumors have swirled that Zuniga was on the verge of being dismissed.
The US administration of Joe Biden said it was keeping a close eye on events in Bolivia and “calls for calm,” according to a spokesperson for the National Security Council.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “deeply concerned” by events in Bolivia and called on all actors, including the military, to “protect the constitutional order and to preserve a climate of peace,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Condemnations of the troop movements also poured in from across Latin America, with leaders of Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela calling for democracy to be respected.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrote on X: “I am a lover of democracy and I want it to prevail throughout Latin America. We condemn any form of coup d’etat in Bolivia.”
The Organization of American States (OAS) said the international community would “not tolerate any form of breach of the legitimate constitutional order in Bolivia.”
Bolivian army leaders arrested after coup attempt
https://arab.news/4z5an
Bolivian army leaders arrested after coup attempt
- Bolivia is deeply polarized after years of political instability
Pontiff slams ‘invader arrogance’ in ‘Palestine’ and Ukraine
CATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Monday railed against the conflicts in Ukraine and the Palestinian territories, where he said “the arrogance of the invader prevails over dialogue.”
The 87-year-old’s words, to diplomats at the Vatican, came just days after he called for an investigation into claims Israel was conducting “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza.
Marking 40 years of a peace deal between Chile and his native Argentina, Francis recalled ongoing conflicts and criticized the arms trade, highlighting “the hypocrisy of speaking about peace and playing at war.”
“This hypocrisy always leads us to failure,” he said in Spanish, adding that “dialogue must be the soul of the international community.”
“I simply mention two failures of humanity today: Ukraine and Palestine, where there is suffering, where the arrogance of the invader prevails over dialogue,” he added in an unscripted remark.
Francis, who took over as head of the worldwide Catholic Church in 2013, regularly prays for the people of Gaza and the “martyred” Ukraine, which Russia invaded in 2022.
Francis has also frequently called for the return of the Israeli hostages taken by Palestinian militants Hamas during the unprecedented Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
In extracts published this month of a forthcoming book, he called for claims that Israel was conducting “genocide” in Gaza — claims strongly rejected by Israel — to be “studied carefully.”
The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 44,235 people, most of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, which the UN considers reliable.
The Vatican recognized the Palestinian territories as a sovereign state in 2013, signing a treaty in 2015.
Jeddah’s IPL auction: Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes youngest player ever to be sold
- Big money flows as Saudi Arabia makes history with first-ever international cricket event
- It was an electric, record-breaking mega auction which rewrote history, says IPL
JEDDAH: The big money flowed on Monday as Saudi Arabia made waves with its first-ever international cricket event, hosting the TATA IPL mega auction in Jeddah, a key event in the sport’s global calendar.
The major highlight of day two was Vaibhav Suryavanshi — a left-handed batsman from the east Indian state of Bihar known for hitting long sixes — becoming the youngest player to be sold at the IPL auction — at just 13 years of age.
Suryavanshi was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for $131,000 in the IPL auction at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah.
Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals went head-to-head for his services and eventually the Royals won the fight.
TATA IPL wrote on X: “Talent meets opportunity indeed. (The) 13-year-old Suryavanshi becomes the youngest player ever to be sold at the #TATAIPL auction. Congratulations to the young star, who now joins Rajasthan Royals.”
Rajasthan Royals said on X: “Vaibhav Suryavanshi, all of 13 years old, entering the IPL!”
Hailing from Samastipur, Suryavanshi has already made headlines with his extraordinary achievements on the field.
During the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season in the Indian domestic league, Suryavanshi made his debut at just 12 years and 284 days against Mumbai.
Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh made his debut at 15 years and 57 days, while legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar started his career at 15 years and 230 days.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience found high demand among IPL franchises at the Jeddah event, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing his services for $1.275 million.
Other notable deals included Deepak Chahar, who fetched about $1.1 million from Mumbai Indians despite his injury history, and Mukesh Kumar, retained by Delhi Capitals for about $1 million through the RTM card. Lucknow Super Giants also invested heavily, signing Test pacer Akash Deep for about $1 million.
However, some big names, including Kane Williamson, Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, and Glenn Philipps, went unsold during the mega auction.
The auction reflected the high demand for players, especially from India. Indian talents got lucrative deals for even its fringe players.
Star Indian player Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in the history of the IPL as Lucknow Super Giants spent a mind-boggling $3.19 million on the wicketkeeper-batter on the first day of the mega auction.
Jeddah’s TATA IPL mega auction saw plenty of twists, turns, unexpected signings and records broken, as the availability of Indian and international stars was greater than ever and all 10 franchises were looking to rebuild their squads.
The marquee event posted on X at its conclusion: “That’s it from the #TATAIPLAuction Arena in Jeddah. It was an electric, record-breaking mega auction, which rewrote history. Look forward to your company in #TATAIPL 2025.”
Franchise owners also took to X to express their great excitement.
One of the owners of Punjab Kings and famous Bollywood actor Preity Zinta wrote: “Day 1, nothing less than A1! Punjab Kings are on fire and ready to soar! #IPL2025Auction.”
On day two, she went on to take advice from fans, and wrote: “So how is the auction going folks? Are our fans happy? If not, any more recommendations/suggestions? Bring it on ! #PBKS #IPLAuction2025.”
Owner partner of Kolkata Knight Riders Juhi Chawla Mehta was excited as she posted on X a video of Jeddah with the caption “Destination Jeddah … IPL auction 2025 #ipl2025auction #IPLAuction #Kolkatknightriders #KKR.”
In another post sharing a video of the auction venue, she wrote: “Getting mega auction ready with our CEO Venky Mysore, and mentor DJ Bravo! @VenkyMysore @DJBravo47.”
The squads of the league’s 10 franchises — Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad — were finalized on Monday from a pool of 574 players.
The IPL will enter its 18th season in March next year, and the Red Sea city of Jeddah became an important stop en route.
The names of Dubai, London, Riyadh and Jeddah were touted before the Red Sea city was chosen by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for the marquee event.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Nakhat Alshraq’ authentic northern Indian cuisine
- Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank
Nakhat Alshraq is a haven for those craving authentic northern Indian cuisine, with branches in Riyadh, Dammam, and Alkhobar.
Known for its dedication to fresh ingredients and bold spices, this restaurant has become a favorite for families and food enthusiasts.
The menu boasts a variety of classics like butter chicken for SR59 ($16), chicken tikka masala, and chicken biryani, all expertly prepared and bursting with flavor.
The royal biryani stands out as a signature dish, with its rich blend of basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and perfectly balanced Indian spices.
The Singapore noodles is an Asian fusion option that delivers a unique twist to the dining experience. The dishes are meticulously presented, showcasing attention to detail that elevates the overall meal. The vibrant and cozy ambiance creates a welcoming environment for gatherings, whether casual or celebratory.
Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the restaurant caters to a diverse palate, offering both mild and spicy dishes, ensuring something for everyone.
However, the restaurant’s popularity is both a blessing and a curse. Nakhat Alshraq is frequently crowded, particularly during peak dining hours, which can make securing a table a challenge. For those who plan ahead, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the consistently excellent food and service.
For more information, check their Instagram @nakhatalshraq.
Ronaldo delivers another Al-Nassr triumph in Asia
- Win puts Riyadh giants on brink of the knockout stages of AFC Champions League Elite
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr won 3-1 at Al-Gharafa of Qatar on Monday to move to the brink of the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Elite with three group games still to play.
All the goals came in the second half as the Saudi Arabians moved onto 13 points and second place in the group, just two points behind leaders Al-Ahli who earlier won 2-1 at Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates.
Al-Nassr made most of the running in the first half, but just could not find a way through. Ronaldo had an early shot saved by Sergio Rico and the Spanish goalkeeper made a diving save to push away a shot from the Portuguese star once more after 19 minutes.
Soon after it was the turn of Al-Gharafa to go close. Bento had to get down well to save from Wajdi Kechrida at his near post
Al-Nassr thought they had been given a penalty just before the half-hour as Matias Nani chopped Sadio Mane on the left side of the area and the referee gave a penalty. It looked clear and Ronaldo put the ball down on the spot ready to shoot his team into the lead but then VAR intervened to keep the game goalless.
Ronaldo had the best chance of all in the 34th minute but somehow headed Marcelo Brozovic’s left-sided free-kick wide from close range. It was a frustrating period for the star and it got worse just before the break as the five-time Ballon D’Or winner had a goalbound shot blocked.
He was determined to put it right and did so within the first minute of the second half. Angelo got to the byline on the right and just as his cross was perfect, so was Ronaldo’s thundering header that flew into the bottom corner to give Rico no chance.
Two minutes before the hour, Angelo swapped passes with Otavio then skipped past the goalkeeper to extend Al-Nassr’s lead and then, four minutes after, Ronaldo got his second. He was found inside the box by Angelo, turned his defender and then fired home high into the net.
That was that, or so everyone thought as Spanish striker Joselu pulled one back with 17 minutes remaining but Al-Nassr saw out the win to complete another perfect day for Saudi Arabian clubs in Asia.
What We Are Reading Today: ‘Algorithms for the People’ by Josh Simons
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping our world. Police forces use them to decide where to send police officers, judges to decide whom to release on bail, welfare agencies to decide which children are at risk of abuse, and Facebook and Google to rank content and distribute ads.
In these spheres, and many others, powerful prediction tools are changing how decisions are made, narrowing opportunities for the exercise of judgment, empathy, and creativity.
In “Algorithms for the People,” Josh Simons flips the narrative about how we govern these technologies.
