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Clashes break out between CAR militants, French army

07 May 2014 04:21 (UTC +04:00)

Monday’s three-hour battle came after an attack by about 40 heavily armed unidentified gunmen in the northwest of the country, the French army official said on Tuesday.

The French army released a video showing the soldiers using mortars as they were engaged in the fierce fighting with militants.

The release coincided with the 100th day of Catherine Samba Panza’s rule over the country as the interim president.

Atrocities continue to unfold in the CAR despite the intervention of French troops in the former colony.

On December 5, France invaded the CAR after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution giving the African Union and France the go-ahead to send troops to the country.

Many believe the French troops, known as the Sangaris, target Muslims and turn a blind eye to Christian militia, an accusation Paris rejects.

There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamond, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.