Burundi: Deaths reported after attacks on military bases

BUJUMBURA, Burundi

Military sources in Burundi are reporting a number of deaths and injuries in coordinated attacks which struck three army camps in the capital Bujumbura early on Friday.

Twelve assailants were killed, five soldiers wounded and gunfire is still being heard in the capital, said Colonel Gaspard Baratuza, an army spokesman.

However, an army source who wanted to remain anonymous, told Anadolu Agency earlier: "The attackers were neutralized but many civilians, military and police were also killed."

"Dozens of bodies were lying on the ground and at least 20 others were injured," the same source said.

Army sources have reportedly blamed the attacks on opposition groups.

Camp Muha and Camp Higher Institute of Military (ISCAM), located in southern Bujumbura plus the Camp Ngagara north of the capital, were attacked simultaneously by unidentified, heavily armed men, the source added.

"After several hours of fighting, the attackers were repelled but the situation is still very unclear. Besides the attackers who were neutralized, several soldiers died in the crossfire," he said.

Willy Niyamitwe, communication adviser to President Pierre Nkurunziza, confirmed the attacks on his official Twitter account. However, he alleged that the attacks were aimed at freeing prisoners from Mpimba jail in Bujumbura.

"Camps attacks aimed to create a diversion to allow the escape of prisoners", Niyamitwe wrote.

Burundi has been gripped by instability since April when the ruling party named Nkurunziza -- in power since 2005 -- as its candidate for the presidency.

Many opposition supporters, plus some backers of Nkurunziza, have been killed amid the turmoil.

According to the UN, at least 240 people have been killed in Burundi since the outbreak of the political and security crisis in April 2015.

These clashes are the most intense one since April.