Clashes in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, organized by active and retired soldiers, killed 13 members of the government's army.

"We have launched a manhunt for all those involved in the violent attack, including serving and retired soldiers," military spokesperson Colonel Issa Bangura told reporters.

PHOTO | COURTESY soldiers leaving a funeral home

On Monday, daily life resumed with a robust security presence in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, as the government partially lifted a curfew following gun skirmishes in the city.

Armed assailants assaulted a military armory and three prisons early Sunday, prompting hours-long confrontations with security authorities in the capital.

Since the June elections, Sierra Leone is an English-speaking West African country in a political crisis.

The administration relaxed the daytime curfew it had imposed on Monday, urging residents to go about their normal lives while staying watchful.

A curfew would be in effect between 9:00 p.m. (2100 GMT) and 6:00 a.m.

"While we encourage citizens to resume normal activities... we continue to urge everyone to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious or unusual activity to the nearest police station," the information ministry said in an evening statement.

PHOTO | COURTESY 13 soldiers killled in Sierra Leone after sunday clashes

Checkpoints have been set up on major roadways, with security personnel searching vehicles.

President Julius Maada Bio, the current president, conducted a coup in the 1990s before handing over power and returning to politics as a civilian years later.

Gunmen attempted to breach into a military armory in Freetown early Sunday, provoking skirmishes with security personnel. Several prisons were also attacked, with some inmates escaping.

Bio said late Sunday that calm had been restored following what he described as an attempt to destabilize peace and stability.

"The majority of the leaders have been apprehended. Security operations and investigations are ongoing," Bio stated on national television, adding that the government would "hold those responsible accountable."