Washington  - The United States on Tuesday sharply condemned the slaughter of at least 157 demonstrators by Guinea's military regime and called for the immediate release of all opposition leaders.

"The United States condemns the Guinean military's brazen and inappropriate use of force against civilians," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.

Security forces opened fire, stabbed and sexually assaulted demonstrators Monday protesting the possibility that junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara might run for president.

Camara gained power after staging a bloodless coup in the West African nation following the death of strongman Lansana Conte. (dpa)