Guinea security forces 'neutralise' armed group in gunfight

Guinean security forces have neutralised an armed group in the capital city, Conakry.

According to authorities, the group had "subversive intentions threatening national security", a day before the country holds elections.

Polls opened in the West African country on Sunday as citizens elected their president from a pool of nine candidates, including transitional leader General Mamady Doumbouya.

Early on Saturday, "based on reliable intelligence, security services conducted a targeted operation in a compound in the suburbs of Conakry where an armed group was present," according to the statement from the Operational Command Post for Internal Security, a joint unit composed of police, soldiers and customs officers.

'Complete neutralisation'

"This operation allowed for the complete neutralisation of the group and the arrest of the individuals involved after several exchanges of gunfire," the statement said, without providing further details.

Residents told AFP that gunfire erupted on Friday night and early Saturday in Sonfonia, a neighbourhood located about 15 kilometres from downtown Conakry.

They said the fire took place near a mosque that was still under construction and at least one house, leaving bullet marks on the walls of the two buildings.

Sunday's election is intended to conclude a four-year transition period since the military seized power in September 2021.