Mauritanian army seize media
2005-08-03 10:59
Nouakchott - Mauritanian army troops, dominated by presidential guard members, took over on Wednesday the armed forces headquarters, state radio and television buildings in the capital Nouakchott in a coup d'etat, an AFP journalist saw.
The troops had moved into the buildings from 05:00 and also blocked off access to the presidential palace and government ministers, while President Maaouyia Ould Taya was in Saudi Arabia for the funeral of King Fahd.
Military vehicles equipped with heavy weaponry and anti-aircraft guns took up positions in the capital.
It was not clear whether the troops were taking part or foiling a military coup.
Earlier, al-Jazeera television reported the army and presidential guards "reseizing control" of the Television and Radio building in the capital.
The official Mauritanian satellite channel, along with most Arab channels, is observing a three-day mourning period for King Fahd, broadcasting Qur'anic verses. - DPA/AFP
- News24