WASHINGTON (AP) The Obama administration has asked the State Department to spend up to $60 million for defense supplies to assist the African Union-led international support mission in the Central African Republic.
The government of the predominantly Christian nation, was overthrown in March by Muslim rebels. French forces have intervened to patrol streets and try to disarm thousands of rebels accused of attacking civilians. More than 500 people have been killed in the country's capital since Thursday.
The White House said in a statement on Tuesday that the defense equipment will assist France, the African Union, the Congo and other countries helping the mission.
On Monday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered the U.S. military to transport troops in from Burundi to help quell the latest upsurge in violence.
