Mauritania president deposed in coup

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The North African nation of Mauritania underwent a military coup Wednesday when troops arrested its president, a family member said.

The daughter of President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi said her father was seized in the capital of Nouakchott and taken away by members of his own presidential guard battalion, The Times of London reported.

The newspaper also cited local media reports claiming Mauritania's prime minister and interior minister had also been arrested, with state radio and television taken off the air.

The coup seems to be a response to Abdallahi's sacking of the country's four most senior military officers, the Times said.

The French Foreign Ministry said it appeared Abdallahi was being held by a group of generals.

The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott advised American citizens to limit movements to essential travel only and be watchful for any unusual activity.