5 soldiers, 6 civilians killed in rebel attack in Central African Republic

5 soldiers, 6 civilians killed in rebel attack in Central African Republic
5 soldiers, 6 civilians killed in rebel attack in Central African Republic

 

Bangui, July 3 : At least five soldiers and six civilians were killed after armed rebels raided two army bases in the Central African Republic (CAR), military sources and officials said on Wednesday

The attack took place on Tuesday in Ngoutere and Bocaranga localities in the Ouham-Pende region in the northwestern part of the country, where CAR armed forces have bases, said Fidele Pandjekane, mayor of Bocaranga council.

CAR Defence Minister Claude Rameaux Bireau confirmed the attack while speaking to a local radio station, saying that the situation was under control.

Military sources said the attack was carried out by rebels of the Return, Reclamation, and Rehabilitation (3R) faction, one of the region’s most powerful armed groups, which presents itself as a Fulani self-defence militia.

It was still unclear if the rebels had recorded casualties.

The CAR has been ravaged by an armed conflict following a violent takeover of power by an armed group called Seleka in 2013.

The CAR army and United Nations (UN) peacekeepers have since been battling ragtag rebel groups in the country. (Agencies)