Amnesty International said today that witnesses say helicopters dropped 30 bombs on residential areas, destroying churches, schools and medical facilities. It said this was an unlawful use of lethal force.
The government says former militiamen, known as the Ninjas, launched attacks in areas of Brazzaville on April 4 and the fighting with police killed at least 17 people.
Amnesty said the April 5 bombings targeted areas where the ex-militiamen are present. The bombings hit the former residence of Frederic Bitsangou, who led the militia that disbanded after a peace deal was signed in 2003.