France says its UN-backed military operation is underway in the Central African Republic, the day after some of the worst violence in the latest crisis.<br /><br /> The Defence Minister told French radio that troop reinforcements had arrived in the capital Bangui to bolster the forces already there – who will number 1,200 in the coming days.<br /><br /> On Thursday militias loyal to the ousted president attacked the capital where mainly Muslim former rebels took control in March, plunging the country into chaos that has seen tit-for-tat sectarian violence with the Christian majority. <br /><br /> Witnesses said more than 100 people were killed in Thursday’s fighting, before nightfall saw a relative calm.<br /><br /> Many were clubbed or hacked to death. Dozens of wounded were treated in hospital, including women and children.<br /><br /> The head of one aid team, MSF-Holland, said the true number of victims was unknown as it was impossible to venture out.<br /><br /> Many local defence groups have sprung up in response to abuses carried out by the former rebels.<br /><br /> President Hollande has vowed that the French operation will be limited in time with the aim of handing over to African forces.<br /><br /> The UN resolution gives the mission a mandate to protect civilians and restore order.
