Security forces in Congo Republic kill rebel fighters

BRAZZAVILLE (Reuters) - Security forces in Congo Republic have killed around 15 rebel fighters during a military operation in the central African oil producer's restive Pool region, authorities said.

The area - a stronghold of the rebel leader Frederic Bintsamou, better known as Pastor Ntumi - has been the scene of regular operations by the police, gendarmes and army for nearly a year.