The threat came to light hours after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) activated its standby force for a possible military invasion of the politically troubled country.
Representatives of the junta informed the U.S. Under Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, of the threat to Bazoum during her visit to the country earlier this week, a Western military official who craved anonymity told The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, a U.S. official, also speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media, corroborated the account to AP.
