Two Americans Sought in Failed Gambian Coup

The FBI has filed a criminal complaint and arrest warrant for two Americans accused of leading a failed plot to overthrow the government of Gambia.

Federal officials say a 57-year-old man from Texas allegedly financed the operation, and a 46-year-old U.S. veteran from Minnesota admitted he participated in the attempted coup with a group of armed fighters.

The Minnesota vet, Papa Faal, also admitted that many of the rebels were vets.

"Most, if not all, members of the group had served in the U.S. or Gambian military," Faal told FBI agent Nicholas Marshall, according to an affidavit.

The Texas man, Cherno Njie, reportedly planned to serve as the interim leader of Gambia had the effort succeeded.

The failed coup occurred on Dec. 30 while Gambian President Yahya Jammeh was outside the country.