The government forces gained control of Bouar, a strategic town located on the axis connecting landlocked Central African Republic with Cameroon, by mid-afternoon on Saturday, said Mayor Ali Aoudou Moumini.
According to reports, at least four former rebels of the Seleka coalition were killed and several others in both camps were injured during the clashes.
The militants, who call themselves anti-balaka, seized the town after a coup in March, threatening the country’s main supply route.
Local residents said the takeover included around 300 and 500 rebel attackers that surrounded the town and prevented people from leaving.
In December 2012, the Seleka rebels launched an offensive against the CAR government.
On January 11, then President Francois Bozize and the representatives of the Seleka rebels signed an agreement in Libreville, Gabon, after three days of negotiations brokered by regional neighbors.
However, the deal fell through, and CAR President Michel Djotodia, a former Seleka leader, along with thousands of Seleka rebels, captured Bangui and proclaimed himself president after seizing power from Bozize on March 24.
On September 13, Djotodia dissolved Seleka, which had brought him to power. Some of the rebels later joined the country’s regular army while some defied.
There are many mineral resources, including gold and diamond, in the Central African Republic. However, the country is extremely poor and has faced a series of rebellions and coups since it gained independence in 1960.
GMA/HSN
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