20100401
PRESS TV

A group of soldiers have reportedly arrested Guinea-Bissau's premier and the army's chief of staff, raising coup fears in a country with a history of similar rebellions.

"Very early this morning (Thursday), young soldiers left the barracks and proceeded to arrest the prime minister after invading his residence," a military source told the AFP news agency.

Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior was freed after several hours and escorted back to his private residence. The head of the armed forces Zamora Induta remained under guard at a military base while his No. 2 appeared to be in control.

Initial reports said hundreds of people gathered in front of his office demanding his release. The supporters later gathered about 150 metres from the prime minister's home, AFP said.

Army deputy chief of staff General Antonio Indjai warned he would "kill" Gomes if the arrested leader's sympathizers did not disperse.

"We ask you to avoid any assembly in the streets. If you do not, that could lead us to kill Cadogo," said the general, using the nickname of the prime minister.

The whereabouts of President Malam Bacai Sanha, who took power following elections in July, were not immediately known and the situation in the country remains unclear.

Military music interrupted the usual broadcasts on national radio which experts say indicates a coup.

The country has been struggling to overcome a crisis after the retaliatory killing of President Joao Bernardo Vieira in March 2009.

Troops loyal to then head of the armed forces, General Tagme Na Waie, attacked and shot Bernardo, blaming him for a bombing that killed the general hours earlier.

The poor West African nation has seen a series of coups since independence from Portugal in the 1970s.