Burundian army kills three rebels near capital –official

(SomaliNet) Burundian officials said on Sunday that army killed three rebels near the capital over the weekend, the latest in a series of violent clashes in the central African nation.

Local administrator Jean Samandari said soldiers clashed with militia allied to the rebel National Liberation Forces (FNL) in Gatunguru, about five kilometres north of Bujumbura, killing one and capturing a second.

Army spokesman Adolphe Manirakiza said overnight Saturday, the army killed two and captured three FNL fighters who were pillaging Gutunguru.

However, several area residents claimed the army killed civilians, a charge it denied.

The rebels on Friday announced an \"immediate\" ceasefire but laid out a number of tough conditions if the truce is to hold.

Meanwhile, Burundi is struggling to recover from a civil war that started in 1993 and has claimed the lives of some 300,000 people. -AFP