Rebels kill 26 in Central African Republic

Central African Republic: 26 villagers have been killed by rebels in Central African Republic, on Saturday said authorities. The attack is referred to as the worst bloodshed in recent months in a country trying to recover after years of violence and turmoil.

According to presidential spokesman Albert Mokpeme, the killings took place about 350 km north of the capital Bangui.
Mokpeme blamed the attack on fighters from the former Seleka rebel coalition.

"There were 26 victims. The Seleka (rebels) went door to door ... The village chief was among the victims," said Mokpeme, adding that; "It was a massacre."

Fighting setting the mainly Muslim Seleka fighters against rival Christian anti-Balaka militia members started on Friday before escalating.

UN peacekeeping mission in Central African Republic's, MINUSCA, dispatched troops to the troubled area and separated the two groups.

The mission said in a statement it was reinforcing its positions and stepping up patrols in an effort to protect civilians and prevent further violence in the region.