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Lesotho army 'seizes key buildings' Lesotho 'coup' forces PM Thabane to South Africa
(about 4 hours later)
Soldiers in the southern African kingdom of Lesotho have seized the police headquarters in an apparent coup attempt, officials say. The prime minister of the southern African kingdom of Lesotho has fled to South Africa, alleging a coup by the army and saying his life is in danger.
Sports Minister Thesele Maseribane told AFP news agency that troops had also surrounded State House, a key government building. Speaking to the BBC, Thomas Thabane said he was in neighbouring South Africa and would return "as soon as I know I am not going to get killed."
There are reports of gunfire in the capital, Maseru. Radio signals and phone communications have been jammed. Reports from Lesotho say the capital, Maseru, is now calm after soldiers seized key buildings.
Lesotho has seen a series of military coups since independence in 1966.
Mr Thabane has headed a unity government since but suspended parliament in June amid feuding in his coalition.
'Illegal coup'
"I have been removed from control not by the people but by the armed forces, and that is illegal," Mr Thabane said.
"I came into South Africa this morning and I will return as soon as my life is not in danger.
"I will not go back to Lesotho to get killed."
However, an army spokesman said the military "supports the democratically elected government of the day," Reuters news agency reported.
Earlier, troops were seen on the streets of Maseru and there were reports of gunfire.
Radio stations were taken off air and phone lines were cut, although later reports suggested they were back working.
Sports Minister Thesele Maseribane told AFP news agency that troops had surrounded State House, a key government building.
Geographically, Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa on all sides.Geographically, Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa on all sides.
Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has headed a unity government since elections in May 2012.
But Mr Thabane suspended the country's parliament in June, amid feuding in the coalition government.
Since independence from Britain in 1966, Lesotho has undergone several military coups.
Are you in Maseru or elsewhere in Lesotho? You can share your views and experiences by emailing Haveyoursay@bbc.co.ukAre you in Maseru or elsewhere in Lesotho? You can share your views and experiences by emailing Haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk