/ 16 August 2001

THOUSANDS FLEE BURUNDI VIOLENCE

AT least two civilians were wounded and several thousands forced to flee their homes in Nyambuye — a hilly area to the east of the capital — following renewed clashes Wednesday between the Burundese army and the rebels of the Hutu-controlled National Liberation Front (FNL). The heavy fighting was concentrated in the Kibingo, Kinuke and Mirama areas from 4:am (0200 GMT), with high explosives and bursts of gunfire clearly audible since midday in Bujumbura. – AFP.