MOSCOW, December 6 (RAPSI) - The French forces have started a military operation in the Central African Republic (CAR), with extra troops arriving in the capital, Bangui, AFP reports, quoting French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

This Thursday, the French military commanders ordered some 250 servicemen to ensure security in the city after a brutal conflict occurred between the Seleca rebel group and supporters of former CAR president François Bozizé and over 100 people were killed.

Last January, the CAR government and the political opposition signed a peaceful agreement. However, only two months later, the Seleca militants seized the capital of the country. The ousted president François Bozizé was forced to flee the country and the rebel leader Michel Djotodia declared himself president. Military clashes between the supporters and opponents of the new power have continued ever since.