Central African Rebels Head Toward Capital

Rebels in Central Africa on Friday were advancing on the capital Bangui after forcing their way through a key checkpoint manned by international forces, a military source told Agence France Presse.

The rebels from the Seleka coalition had shot their way through the Damara checkpoint, some 75 kilometers (47 miles) north of the capital, around 11:00 GMT, said a source with the Multinational Force of Central Africa (FOMAC) which was manning the roadblock.

"The rebels stormed the checkpoint and passed through... There were shots but no wounded," said the source on condition of anonymity. "They are on the road to Bangui. We're on the highest alert."