(VOVworld) - Rebels have killed 26 villagers in Central African Republic, the worst bloodshed in recent months.

Violence erupted between Seleka Muslim militants and pro-government Christian militants.

The attack happened on Friday and was carried out by Seleka rebels aimed at Kaga Bandoro town and other villages. Dozens of houses in the area have been destroyed.

Central African Republic's U.N. peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, dispatched troops to the area and separated the two groups. It said in a statement that it was reinforcing its positions in and around Kaga-Bandoro and stepping up patrols in an effort to protect civilians and prevent further violence.