DHAKA: Two French soldiers have been killed in combat in Central African Republic’s capital, president Francois Hollande’s office announced on Tuesday, underscoring the challenges of a new French military intervention in the nearly lawless former colony.

Hollande plans to visit the Central African Republic later Tuesday, heading into the tricky conflict zone after attending a memorial in South Africa for Nelson Mandela, reports The Straits Times.

The early casualties underscore the volatility of the mission to disarm combatants and bring stability to a largely anarchic capital.

A mob on Monday stoned to death a suspected enemy in the street, and armed fighters have abducted and killed hospital patients.

BDST: 2056 HRS, DEC 10, 2013