Heavy gunfire heard near Guinea-Bissau's Government Palace

Witnesses say they fear another coup attempt is underway in the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau

BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau -- Heavy gunfire erupted Tuesday near the Government Palace in Guinea-Bissau's capital, witnesses said, raising fears of a coup attempt in this West African country with a long history of military takeovers.

The state broadcaster has reported that the shooting has damaged the government building and that “invaders” are holding officials.

President Umaro Cissoko Embalo, a former army general, was believed to be inside the building at the time of the attack.

The 15-nation West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS, already grappling with three other coups in member states over the last 18 months, called Tuesday's violence a coup attempt and said it is following the situation in Bissau “with great concern.”