Arrests as Gambia 'coup foiled'

President Jammeh took power in a coup and won elections in 2001

The authorities in the West African state of Gambia have arrested a number of army officers suspected of plotting to overthrow President Yahya Jammeh.

Reports say several other officers, including the army chief of staff, Mbure Cham, have fled The Gambia.

President Jammeh cut short a visit to Mauritania and returned home late on Tuesday evening.

The capital, Banjul, is reported to be calm, with security forces deployed on the streets.

Journalists reported troop movements in the early hours of the morning.

President Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup and won a second term in 2001. He seeks re-election this year.

There have been a number of high-profile army sackings in the past year or so.

Late last year, Gambian police arrested three leading opposition figures in what the government said was part of a probe into a national security threat.