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Gambia closes borders with Senegal

31 December 2014 04:06 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Gambia has closed its borders with neighboring Senegal after a foiled military coup was announced on Tuesday, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

Security units including police and military forces have been strengthening check points alongside the borders and vehicles have been banned from entering Senegal, according to a security official.

"The borders have been closed for entry. Although a press release said that the borders will re-open in an hour, it is not yet confirmed when the order for the re-opening will be passed," said the official.

State-run Gambia Radio and Television Services were suspended only with some entertainment music, and officials were told to stay at home.

Banjul International Airport, the only airport in Gambia, was closed and is also said to re-open in a few hours, according to an official for the airport.

An attempted coup that aims to overthrow President Yahya Jammeh was foiled early Tuesday after overnight shootings in the Gambian capital Banjul. At least five military officers were killed and several others arrested.