Troops root out CAR coup rebels

Bangui has frequently been the scene of unrest

Loyalist troops and presidential guards have retaken control of the Central African Republi's capital Bangui, after a failed coup attempt on Monday

They hunted down rebel soldiers and shot them dead in the streets, with witnesses saying that corpses were being left where they fell.

The known death toll since Monday's coup bid has risen to 20.

Thousands of civilians streamed out of the city's southern neighbourhood, a stronghold of the opposition, escaping the security forces' crackdown.

"I had to leave. I'm afraid... I don't want to be caught in the cross fire," said Madeleine Simbigo, among scores of residents fleeing with their belongings bundled on their heads.

Guards killed

A rebel unit within the former French colony's army attacked President Ange-Felix Patasse's villa with automatic weapons and mortars early on Monday morning.

Seven members of the presidential guard died defending Mr Patasse, who was unhurt.

The head of the country's paramilitary police was shot as he ran toward the presidential villa, and died on Tuesday of his wounds, authorities said.

The capital remained tense on Tuesday with shops, schools and offices closed for a second day.

Mortar fire

Mortars and sporadic gunfire could be heard across the city during Tuesday as presidential spokesman Prosper Ndoube said loyalist troops fought to dislodge rebels hiding in the city's central barracks.

President Patasse declared a curfew

Mr Patasse imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew and by nightfall, loyalist forces appeared to have the entire city back under their control - including the transmitter for state radio, which had fallen into rebel hands.

Whole families, clutching mattresses, buckets and other household goods, crossed armed checkpoints set up across Bangui and headed for the north end of the capital or toward villages on the city's outskirts.

"I'm looking for a place where we can live in peace," said Abel Ndemazou, fleeing with his wife and children.

Divided city

For years, Bangui has effectively been divided in two - with the north end loyal to the president and the south a stronghold of the opposition.

The Central African Republic has a history of military uprisings, with three major rebellions against Mr Patasse since 1996.

The former French colony is one of Africa's poorest countries.

Low or delayed pay has been a main complaint of soldiers in the rebellions.

The United Nations wrapped up a peacekeeping mission in the country in February, but UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned at the time that tensions remained high.