Several held after failed coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau

Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embalo held a press conference on Tuesday evening after the failed coup attempt in the afternoon at the Government Palace, reported Xinhua.

In front of national and international press, he announced that several civilians and soldiers "have already been arrested after this attempted putsch."

During the press conference, he was accompanied by Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam and members of the government.

According to the president, "the actors in these acts are known by the security services, because they are being prosecuted for drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau."

"This is an isolated act carried out by a group of traffickers in the country," he said.

He reiterated his commitment to continue fighting drug traffickers in Guinea-Bissau.

Deputy Chief of Staff Mamadu Nkrumam was present at the press conference alongside the president, in the absence of his superior Biague Nan Tam who is outside the country for medical treatment.