A day after French troops arrived here on a mission to quell ethnic violence, fighting erupted between rival militias Saturday in this northeastern Congolese town. According to press photographers, Lendu militia attacked road-blocks set up by the Hema minority and pushed the Hema fighters — who have been in control of Bunia — further back into the town. “We’ve been caught right in the middle of this,” CNN Correspondent Catherine Bond said, from a compound in central Bunia housing journalists. At least three people were injured in Saturday’s violence, Bond reported. After four hours of fighting, the Lendu militia appeared to have withdrawn to the southern part of the town, according to Col. Daniel Vollot, head of the U.N. force in Bunia. However, Vollot said it was possible for both militias to resume fighting after resupplying their ammunition. The contingent of French troops remained at Bunia’s airport to secure the area for the arrival of more forces. So far, the forces have not intervened in the fighting, as they wait for more troops and weaponry. Full Story
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