1st LD: Burundi's president speaks to state radio, urging coup plotters to surrender

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza speaks to state radio on Thursday, commending security and defense fores who did not join coup plotters, and urged solders who are still behind the coup to "surrender."

"I thank security and defense forces who didn't join coup plotters," said Nkurunziza in a phone interview.

Heavy gunfire is still heard in the capital Bujumbura as pro- president troops announced gaining control of more parts in the city, and more troops based in other provinces are on their way to the capital.

It is reported that forces behind the attempted coup against Nkurunziza had launched an assault to try and capture the state broadcaster and radio. Endi