BAMAKO, Mali

The military administration in the West African nation of Mali early Tuesday foiled a “terror” attack on a training school for security personnel in the capital Bamako, officials said.

Gunshots were heard near Faladie Gendarmerie School starting from 5.30 a.m. (0530GMT), which continued for at least three hours.

A statement by the General Staff of Mali Armed Forces said “a group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Faladie gendarmerie school.”

“Search operations are currently underway throughout the area. The situation is under control,” said the statement, urging people to “remain calm and follow the instructions of the security forces.”

Security sources told Anadolu that bodies were lying near the gendarmerie school.

Several people have been wounded but details are not clear yet.

Video footage from the gunfire site showed local residents apprehending "terrorists" and handing them over to the Malian soldiers.

The Mali military administration has also shut down Bamako international Airport, sources said.

As the incident unfolded, people faced problems of slow mobile internet in the capital.

*Writing by Riyaz ul Khaliq in Istanbul