Central African Republic: At least 3 killed amid tension following death of pastor

BANGUI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At least three Muslims were killed on Tuesday in the Central African Republic's capital, Bangui, by protesters, mostly Christians, who demonstrated around the presidency following the death of a Christian pastor, according to local sources.

According to residents, on Tuesday morning, security forces launched a search operation against a rebel leader known as "Force" in a locality called Fatima, not far from PK5, a Muslim neighborhood in Bangui, home to armed groups.

The operation prompted an exchange of fire, killing a pastor of a church in Fatima.

At around 2 p.m. local time, mostly Christian protesters, holding the body of the pastor, walked toward the presidency. Three Muslims were killed along the way, witnesses said.

Shops remain closed and the streets desserted as a helicopter patrols overhead. Enditem