In pictures: Fiji coup countdown

Fiji's troops returned to barracks as a deadline set for a threatened military coup passed without incident.

Military chief Cmdr Frank Bainimarama (pictured in a floral shirt) attended a rugby match amid reports Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase had gone into hiding.

As the deadline for a possible military takeover loomed, Fijians withdrew money from banks and stocked up on supplies.

An uneasy calm has settled on the capital Suva as people wonder what lies ahead.

Troops underwent three hours of exercises overnight on Wednesday, setting up checkpoints around Suva and firing mortar rounds.

The military said it was in preparation for any intervention by foreign forces in the event of a coup.

Cmdr Bainimarama had insisted the government must meet his demands by midday Friday to avert a coup.

Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase went some way to meet those demands, but it did not appear to have been enough.

Australia and other Pacific Islands have met to discuss the situation and urged a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

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