KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — A Congolese government spokesman says a group of men armed with machetes has been repelled after trying to attack a military compound in the capital.

Spokesman Lambert Mende told The Associated Press on Tuesday afternoon that the situation was in control after reports of heavy gunfire near the Tshatshi military camp in Kinshasa.

Mende did not immediately have a toll for anyone killed or wounded in the attack.

The military camp is located close to the residence of President Joseph Kabila and the sound of gunfire for about 20 minutes in the area provoked widespread panic.

Tensions have been particularly high in Congo’s capital since December when assailants attacked not only the Tshatshi camp but also the airport and the headquarters of national television.

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