ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
The United States military said on Monday (December 9) that it will fly African forces into Central Africa Republic, after France requested limited assistance with international efforts to halt the spread of violence between Christians and Muslims.
Two U.S. military C-17 aircraft will fly about 850 troops from Burundi into Central African Republic within the next 24 hours, a Pentagon spokesman said. It was unclear what U.S. support might follow, but the Pentagon said consultations were ongoing.
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel authorized the flights during a trip to Qatar, where he held talks with the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
"We responded directly and immediately to the French request," Hagel told reporters on Tuesday (December 10). "I think most of you know, I spoke to the French minister of defense a couple of nights ago. And I am very proud of our people, how fast they responded and reacted and we are going f
