French army peacekeepers killed several militants during a battle in Central African Republic 070514

a

Defence & Security News - France

 
 
Wednesday, May 7, 2014 05:33 PM
 
French army peacekeepers killed several militants during a battle in Central African Republic.
French army peacekeepers killed several militants during a three-hour battle on Monday, May 5, 2014, after coming under attack from some 40 heavily armed unidentified gunmen in the northwest of Central African Republic, a French army official said on Tuesday.
     
French army peacekeepers killed several militants during a three-hour battle on Monday, May 5, 2014, after coming under attack from some 40 heavily armed unidentified gunmen in the northwest of Central African Republic, a French army official said on Tuesday.
French army soldiers used anti-tank missile anf mortar during a three-hour battle on Monday, May 5, 2014, after coming under attack from some 40 heavily armed unidentified gunmen.

     

"Elements of the Sangaris (French) force were attacked by a group of 40 heavily armed individuals," army spokesman Gilles Jaron said in Paris. "The clashes lasted three hours and some of them were destroyed - killed or injured. The others escaped."

Jaron, who declined to say how many were killed, said the troops had been tipped off that gunmen were heading to Boguila - about 450 km (280 miles) north of the capital Bangui - and had moved to protect the town. No French soldiers were injured.

"The clash was significant. The armed group was extremely aggressive and was looking to take the French position. We called in two fighter jets for support," he said. Anti-tank missile Milan and mortars were also used, he said.