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State Dept. issues travel warning for Central African Republic


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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department Thursday issued a new travel warning for Central African Republic after it closed the U.S. Embassy there and ordered the departure of U.S. government personnel from the landlocked country.

Fighting continues in the capital of Bangui between rebel forces and government soldiers.

"The situation in Bangui remains fluid and uncertain. ... Looting has been reported, including intrusions into private homes. Telephone communications are unreliable. The international airport in Bangui is currently closed," the warning said.

It said Americans should not travel to the country, and urged U.S. citizens already there to leave "as the security situation permits."

It is believed about 200 Americans live in the Central African Republic.

The U.S. Embassy there also issued an advisory to Americans in the country to stay in their homes until the situation stabilizes. One military official told CNN the situation remains uncertain.

A previous travel warning was issued October 25.

Wednesday, a specialized U.S. military assessment team landed in Central African Republic at the request of the ambassador in advance of a possible evacuation of Americans there, CNN has learned.

The military team, sent from the U.S. European Command, will assess security for Americans in the country and will consider possible road and air evacuation routes if that becomes necessary.

The country, slightly smaller than the state of Texas, is bordered by Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo.

It is one of the least-developed countries in the world, but is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, and oil.

-- CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr contributed to this report



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