NOUAKCHOTT, June 8 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - An attempted coup by elements of the Mauritanian army was put down early Sunday, June 8, a source close to the government said.

Mauritanian President Maaouiya Ould Taya and his family were safe and in good health, the source confirmed.

Some sporadic shooting was still to be heard in the center of the capital Nouakchott at around 4:30 am (0430 GMT), implying that loyal soldiers were still meeting pockets of resistance, but the situation seemed to be calming down, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Earlier at around 1 am automatic weapons fire and explosions had been heard, notably around the presidential building and the army headquarters, witnesses said.

Some witnesses said a plane had flown over the city several times sparking off anti-aircraft fire.

Shooting was also reported around the television broadcasting centers in the far northwest of the city.

National radio and television had not broadcast any news of the attempted coup by dawn, and it was not known which parts of the army had taken part, but elements of the air force were considered certain candidates.

Colonel Ould Taya came to power in December 1984 through a coup.

After a multi-party system was set up he won the presidential election in 1992 and was re-elected in 1997.

The next election, in which his candidature has been announced, is scheduled for November 7.