It is the first such attack since December peace talks brought together some 200 representatives from the government, opposition, civil society groups and rebel movements aimed at ending unrest in the impoverished country.

"During a weekend patrol in Ndele, Central African armed forces exchanged fierce gunfire with three rebel groups in Boulkinia village, resulting in several deaths in the enemy ranks and the seizing of many weapons," said the statement broadcast over the radio.

It added that several rebels on motorbikes were injured during a subsequent ambush on government troops.

The ministry condemned as "unacceptable" rebel attempts to destabilise CAR after armed groups had "signed a peace accord to pave the way for an immediate end to the hostilities and after the declaration of an amnesty law for every fighter."

On Monday Prime Minister Faustin-Archange Touadera named rebel figures in his new ministerial line-up, including Francois Naouyama from the Popular Army for the Restoration of Democracy rebel movement, the main rebel group active in the north since 2005.

One of the world's poorest countries, Central African Republic has been racked for years by insecurity with rebel groups, bandits and government troops blamed for widespread criminal activity.

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