Gambian Soldiers Clamp Down in Capital after Failed Coup

Gambian security forces clamped down in the capital Banjul on Friday, days after a failed coup against the west African country's strongman President Yahya Jammeh.

Soldiers set up checkpoints on the highway linking Banjul and the suburbs and were seen conducting patrols. Witnesses said that troops were combing the city for suspects from Tuesday's assault on the presidential palace.

"Gambian soldiers carrying guns are conducting a house-to-house," a woman living in Banjul told Agence France-Presse, asking not to be identified. "They believe the attackers are still hiding in the capital."

A fisherman, who also requested anonymity because of the climate of fear, said he had been warned by relatives not to head back with his catch to the usual dock outside Banjul because "members of the armed forces and the paramilitary are lying in ambush in the creeks at Denton bridge and Old Jeshwang."

Traffic in the city was backed up because of the extra security.

Military and government officials were not available for comment.

On Thursday, an intelligence services source said dozens of people had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt.

Jammeh has ruled Gambia, an impoverished state that runs along the Gambia River, for 20 years and has been widely accused of human rights violations. 

On Thursday he blamed unidentified foreign forces and insisted that his army was "very loyal."