Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — Officials say Muslim rebels have taken control of a town in northern Central African Republic, causing residents to flee.
Local official Jerome Gouma said heavily armed men arrived in Bouca on Tuesday, and shooting lasted into the night. On Wednesday, he said residents didn't dare go into the streets.
Aubin Ndontibaye, a local priest, said hundreds fled or were sheltering at a Catholic mission in Bouca, 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of the capital, Bangui.
The arrival in Bouca of the militants, former members of the rebel movement known as Seleka, is a worrying sign that comes two months after the Seleka left most towns.
Central African Republic exploded into sectarian violence last year amid mounting resentment toward a government led by Seleka. International forces are trying to restore calm.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
