Bolivians Raced to Hoard Cash as Army Rebels Attacked Palace

  • Bolivian bank regulator says ATMs experienced high demand
  • More alleged coup plotters were rounded up on Thursday

Members of the military deployed near Plaza Murillo, outside of Palacio Quemado, in La Paz on June 26. 

Photographer: Marcelo Perez del Carpio/Bloomberg
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As rebel Bolivian soldiers occupied La Paz’s central plaza and drove an armored vehicle into the government palace on Wednesday, panicked citizens rushed to withdraw cash, fill their cars with gas and stock up on food.

The attempted putsch swiftly fell apart and ended with the arrest of coup leaders, as President Luis Arce reasserted control of the country by naming new military leadership. More than 15 people who allegedly participated in the plot were detained, the government said Thursday.