UN: 1 dead, at least 20 injured in Central African Republic

CAMEROON, Cameroon – The United Nations says at least one civilian was killed and more than 20 others were injured along with three U.N. peacekeepers during an exchange of fire in the Central African Republic between U.N. troops and fighters from the mainly Christian anti-Balaka militia.

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said the peacekeepers were responding to an anti-Balaka attack on Pombolo village in southeastern Mbomou prefecture Tuesday.

He said the U.N. mission in Central African Republic reported that “the assailants fled into nearby bushes” and villagers sought protection outside the U.N. base where the injured received first aid.

Haq said militia casualties are being verified.

Separately, he said peacekeepers responded to an intrusion Monday at an international NGO in Batangafo in northwestern Ouham prefecture where a local employee was shot and injured.