WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration has asked the State Department to spend up to $60 million for defense supplies to assist the African Union-led international support mission in the Central African Republic.

The government of the predominantly Christian nation, was overthrown in March by Muslim rebels. French forces have intervened to patrol streets and try to disarm thousands of rebels accused of attacking civilians. More than 500 people have been killed in the country’s capital since Thursday.

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