There have been separate reports of fighting in the same area involving the rebel group, the Coalition of Patriots for Change.

The government statement said the plane had also dropped explosives on a base belonging to allies - a term often used to describe Russian mercenaries - before heading north.

It said there had been material damage but didn't mention casualties.

The attack hasn't been independently verified.

Hundreds of fighters from the private Russian security group, Wagner, have been helping CAR's military to fight rebels.