Hagel orders US support in Central African Republic mission
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A French soldier near the airport in Bangui, Central African Republic, Monday Dec. 9, 2013.(AP)
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the U.S. military to transport Burundian troops to Central African Republic, amid sectarian violence in that country.
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The Pentagon is considering requests to send U.S. military support to Central African Republic, a senior U.S. official said, as the country is racked by sectarian fighting which recently prompted France to deploy troops to its former colony.
The development comes amid warnings that the historically unstable country could be on the verge of genocide.
If the order to assist French and African Union forces currently operating in the country comes down, it would likely come in the form of logistical support.
"We are looking at what can be done to help, but no orders have been issued," the official told Fox News.
The official said any potential operation could be similar to what was done in Mali, with the U.S. sending aerial refueling tankers to help create the "air bridge" needed to resupply French forces.
It could also involve some level of intelligence sharing, and possibly the use of drones.
The International Criminal Court's prosecutor also called Monday for attacks on civilians to stop, Reuters reported.
The renewed fighting in CAR began after the government of the majority Christian nation was overthrown by Muslim rebels nine months ago. Muslim rebel groups tied to an alliance organization called Seleka are clashing with Christian fighters.
The latest round of violence began Thursday, when armed Christian fighters who oppose Seleka attacked the capital and were later repelled by the ex-rebels. At least 400 people were killed in two days.
The French Defense Ministry said Monday that the 1,600 troops it pledged are now on the ground. French helicopters buzzed overhead while dozens of military vehicles, including armored personnel carriers, snaked through neighborhoods where tensions ran high. French forces came under attack near the airport but the area was later secured.
President Michel Djotodia had demanded that the fighters who brought him to power remain in their barracks Monday so that French forces and African troops from a regional peacekeeping mission could secure the city.
However, he acknowledged Sunday that he has little control over the ex-Seleka fighters, who come from several different northern rebel groups. Djotodia has formally disbanded the alliance, but his fighters now see themselves as the national army.
Fox News' Justin Fishel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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