From CNN:
American military aircraft will begin flying African and European peacekeepers into the Central African Republic, which is in the midst of a bloody internal war between various proclaimed Christian and Muslim militias and other rebel factions, a U.S. official tells CNN.
Defense Department officials expect to announce the decision on Monday. The action is in response to a request from French and African Union peacekeepers.
Troops will be flown from Burundi to the Central African Republic capital of Bangui, which has been wracked with violence.
The American military also expects to fly in some French troops, which are working to secure the airport and disarm some militia members.
The United States will provide security for its planes, but there is no indication on the number of troops involved. The operations is expected to be relatively small.
Violence on the ground, which has included machetes, knives, rifles and grenades, will be a “big factor” in any U.S. operation, the official said.
“It’s a concern,” the official said.
The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution last week authorizing military intervention by an African Union-led force backed by French troops to protect civilians, restore humanitarian access and stabilize the country.
