Congo army attacks ex-rebel hideout

BRAZZAVILLE - Residents fled in terror as explosions and gunfire rocked part of the Congo Republic's capital when the army launched an operation to dislodge former rebel fighters.

One witness said he had seen the bodies of three of the former rebels, known as Ninjas, on the side of the street and said several people were injured in the violence, which residents said lasted no more than 40 minutes.

The fighting broke out in Brazzaville's southern Bacongo quarter, where six people were killed last week in clashes between police and Ninja gunmen.

As the blasts reverberated across the city, Bacongo residents, some carrying suitcases and bundles on their heads, fled to other parts of the capital.

"We left our house in a hurry with nothing," said Pauline Bissombolo, clutching the hands of her two young daughters. "I don't know where my children's father is."

Several hundred people packed the streets, reluctant to return home despite police assurances the violence was over.

The Ninjas, named after the ancient Japanese warriors, are supporters of renegade pastor Frederic Ntoumi who led a rebellion against the government between 1997 and 2003.

State radio said an army operation was in progress to dislodge the Ninjas and appealed to the population to remain calm, saying the military had the situation under control.

State television, based in the Bacongo neighbourhood, stopped broadcasting and local businesses closed their doors.

- REUTERS