BANGUI, Central African Republic — Clashes in Central African Republic’s capital have resulted in ‘‘many casualties,’’ the International Committee for the Red Cross said Thursday, marking the most significant violence in the city since a UN force took over peacekeeping last month.
The violence complicated relief efforts. Doctors Without Borders said its staff was staying home Thursday because of the dangers, and the Red Cross said its workers ‘‘were subjected to direct threats’’ as they tried to recover bodies.
‘‘It’s truly regrettable that such actions can jeopardize any attempt to help the wounded,’’ said Antoine Mbao Bogo, the national president of the Central African Red Cross. His organization provided an initial tally of 12 deaths.
The violence began Tuesday when a former fighter with a mostly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition was killed by anti-Balaka Christian militias who mutilated his body before burning it, witnesses said.
The man had been accused of launching two grenades, one in an anti-Balaka stronghold in the north of the city, prompting the anti-Balaka fighters to chase after him.
Reprisal attacks ensued.
At least 5,000 people have died over nine months of sectarian violence in the country. The International Crisis Group has warned a political transition was at risk of falling apart.