'Attempt to kill' Lesotho leader

Prime Minister Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili was re-elected in 2007

Lesotho's PM Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili has survived unhurt an apparent assassination attempt in the capital Maseru, the government says.

Communications Minister Mothetjoa Metsing said several gunmen opened fire on the prime minister's house early on Wednesday morning.

He says Mr Mosisili's guards fired back, and some media reports say at least one of the attackers was killed.

The identities of the attackers were not immediately known.

Two gunmen were reportedly arrested and others are thought to have escaped.

Mr Mosisili became prime minister of the tiny country, which is surrounded by South Africa, in 1998. He was was re-elected in 2007.

Lesotho - a former British protectorate - has a history of coups and political unrest.