French troops in the Central African Republic are expanding their operations, in an effort to restore order following sectarian fighting.
French reinforcements patrolled the capital Bangui as others entered from Cameroon, an army spokesman said.
Troops are also deploying to the north and west of the city, he added.
France has now increased its force in CAR to 1,200 soldiers to help peacekeepers deal with rising violence between Muslim and Christian militias.
'Start Quote
We have also started the first missions from Bangui towards the north of the country'
End Quote Gilles Jarron French army spokesman
The CAR has been in turmoil since Michel Djotodia ousted Francois Bozize in March and installed himself as the first Muslim leader in the Christian-majority country.
The mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition which brought him to power has been accused of atrocities against Christians.
Hopes on France
The French deployment followed a UN Security Council vote to allow French troops to join an African peacekeeping force in the CAR.
Bangui residents are venturing out into the streets of the capital after two days of sectarian fighting that has left about 300 people dead.
French troops also deployed in the western city of Bouar, 370km (230 miles) north-west of Bangui, AFP news agency reported.
Reuters news agency quoted French army spokesman Gilles Jarron as saying: 'We have also started the first missions from Bangui towards the north of the country.'
The French contingent, he added, had now reached its full strength.
The BBC's Thomas Fessy in the northern town of Bossangoa - where 40,000 Christians sought refuge after raids by Muslim militia - says people there are hoping France will come to their rescue.
Thursday's violence is thought to have begun when Christian militias, loyal to ousted President Bozize, launched multiple attacks from the north - sparking retaliatory attacks from mainly Muslim armed fighters loyal to the new leadership.
Residents spoke of gun battles in their neighbourhoods and hundreds fled to the airport seeking the protection of some of the French troops based there.
The head of the Red Cross in the CAR, Pastor Antoine Mbao Bogo, said his staff had collected 281 bodies as of Friday night and expected the number to rise significantly.
Christian communities have now set up 'anti-balaka' self-defence forces, most of them loyal to Mr Bozize.
'Balaka' means machete in the local Sango and Mandja languages.
The Selekas have been officially disbanded and some of them integrated into the army, but correspondents say it is often not clear who is in charge, even in the capital.
Posted by Unknown on Saturday, December 7, 2013 - Rating: 4.5
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