Death toll in C.Africa clashes rises
10/27/2013 9:48:45 PM
Twelve people were killed in fierce clashes over the weekend between vigilante groups and former rebels in the western Central African town of Bouar, according to a military source Sunday.
The updated death toll came after militias armed with machetes encircled Bouar, a town some 400 kilometres (250 miles) northwest of the capital Bangui on Saturday morning, the same source said on condition of anonymity.
They were later confronted by troops from the Central African Republic, formerly members of the Seleka rebel group, now integrated into the country's regular armed forces. The troops were able to seize back control of the town.
The latest reports showed that "12 people died, seven from the vigilante groups and five from the ranks of former Seleka members, with several injured on both sides", said the source.
Previous reports said that four people had been killed in Saturday's fighting.
The updated death toll came after militias armed with machetes encircled Bouar, a town some 400 kilometres (250 miles) northwest of the capital Bangui on Saturday morning, the same source said on condition of anonymity.
They were later confronted by troops from the Central African Republic, formerly members of the Seleka rebel group, now integrated into the country's regular armed forces. The troops were able to seize back control of the town.
The latest reports showed that "12 people died, seven from the vigilante groups and five from the ranks of former Seleka members, with several injured on both sides", said the source.
Previous reports said that four people had been killed in Saturday's fighting.