A column of Portuguese military personnel in the Central African Republic (CAR) was ambushed in Yadé, north of Bangui, by “an armed group” , but with no casualties among the national force.

The Armed Forces General Staff (EMGFA) confirmed this incident in a statement on Wednesday, September 26, during a mission by the Portuguese contingent, which is the rapid intervention force of the United Nations Integrated Multidimensional Mission for the stabilization of the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The Portuguese military were deployed to “protect the population against the offensive stance of one of the armed groups in the CAR” and the mission lasted from September 23 to 30, according to the same statement.

On arrival in Yadé, north of Bangui, the capital, drones used by the Portuguese Army, “observed various elements belonging to the armed opposition group”. There was then an explosive device” accompanied by “small arms fire” against the rapid reaction force.

The CAR fell into chaos and violence in 2013 following the overthrow of former President François Bozizé by armed groups together in Séléka, prompting opposition from other militias grouped under the anti-Balaka campaign.

The Rapid Reaction Force, comprises 180 military personnel, mostly paratroopers, 177 belonging to the Army and three to the Air Force. In the CAR there are also eight members of the Public Security Police