French invaders clash with fighters in Central African Republic

French invaders in the Central African Republic (CAR) have exchanged fire with heavily-armed fighters near the airport in the capital city of Bangui.

French forces say they came under attack in a neighborhood of the capital on Monday, but the area has now been secured.

The clashes broke out during a military operation to disarm fighters in Bangui.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius says the troops have started to remove weapons from fighters in the violence-wracked country.

“We have explained to everyone by radio and through other available media that they should bring back weapons,” Fabius said, adding, “If this does not yield sufficient results, force will be employed,” he said.

Fabius has also warned that the disarmament would not be “an easy task”.

“The problem is that many of the former Seleka (rebels) have traded their uniforms for civilian clothes…and it is difficult to identify individuals,” the minister said.

The developments come after the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution giving the African Union and France the go-ahead to send troops to the CAR.

On Saturday, French President Francois Hollande said the number of French troops operating in the violence-stricken CAR will rise to 1,600, 400 more than previously envisaged by the UN resolution.

France claims the aim of the mission is to create stability in the country in order to allow humanitarian aid to reach violence-hit areas.

The recent fighting in CAR began when Christian militias, who support ousted President Francois Bozizé, attacked several Muslim neighborhoods of Bangui.

The Red Cross says nearly 400 people have been killed by the recent fighting only in the capital Bangui and that the death toll could rise.

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.