Armed soldiers on Tuesday open fire over the presidential palace in Guinea-Bissau, according to media reports and confirmation by the regional body ECOWAS.

The soldiers took over the residence of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló on Tuesday afternoon with heavy gunshots that reportedly left several people injured. 

At least two people were reportedly killed in the February 1 attack that took place as a cabinet meeting was underway, according to social media accounts.

It was not immediately clear whether those injured were those participating in the coup or those attempting to defend Mr Embalo and his cabinet members, whose location remained unknown as of Tuesday evening.

ECOWAS quickly reacted to the development, condemning it and ordering the soldiers to return to the palace.

“ECOWAS condemns this coup attempt and holds the military responsible for the physical integrity of President Umaro Sissoco EMBALO and members of his government,” the statement issued from Abuja said.

The incident came barely a week after soldiers arrested the civilian president in Burkina Faso and subsequently seized power.