DHAKA: Soldiers in the southern African kingdom of Lesotho have seized the police headquarters in an apparent coup attempt.

Officials say, reports the BBC.

Sports minister Thesele Maseribane told media that troops had also surrounded State House, a key government building.

There are reports of gunfire in the capital, Maseru. Radio signals and phone communications have been jammed.

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 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.

BDST: 1423 HRS, AUG 30, 2014