BRAZZAVILLE: At least five people died and buildings were torched in clashes between government forces and suspected rebels in Congo’s capital, the government said Tuesday, saying some 50 people had been arrested over the “terror attack”.
A dozen attackers were also killed in the fighting in the south of the city on Monday, which saw six police stations, a town hall and two customs checkpoints set on fire, government spokesman Thierry Moungalla said on Twitter.
Heavy gun battles erupted before dawn in the southern Makelekele and Mayana districts of Brazzaville, which are loyal to the opposition, sending thousands of panicked residents fleeing.
“Three members of the security forces, two civilians and 12 attackers” were killed in the unrest, government spokesman Thierry Moungalla said on Twitter, adding that “six members of the security forces were injured, as well as some civilians”.
“In the course of the police operation during the assault, security forces arrested around 50 former militia members, the perpetrators of the attack.”
