Gambia closes borders with Senegal after failed coup

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Gambia closed its borders with neighbouring Senegal after a foiled military coup Tuesday.

Security units including police and military forces have been strengthening check points along the border and vehicles have been banned from entering Senegal, a security official said, according to a Xinhua report.

"The borders have been closed for entry. Although a press release said 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.

The services of the state-run Gambia Radio and Television were largely suspended and officials were told to stay at home.

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

An attempted coup that aimed 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.