/ 30 May 2001

THOUSANDS FLEE AS CAR ARMY MOPS UP

THOUSANDS of civilians on Tuesday fled southern Bangui as the Central African Republic’s army stormed areas where rebel soldiers fell back after a bloody coup bid against President Ange-Felix Patasse. Residents said a number of rebel soldiers had been killed in the mopping-up operation, which was marked by automatic gunfire and shellbursts. By afternoon, however, the guns had fallen silent and loyalist soldiers of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) appeared to be in full control of the capital. – AFP