Conditions worsen in Bangui, Central African Republic, U.N. says

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The United Nations warned Tuesday targeted assassinations and rising violence continue to plague Bangui, the Central African Republic's capital.

A U.N. statement noted the "climate of complete impunity" in the city, saying murders and other crimes by predominately Christian rebels have been acknowledged in "brazen public admissions."

There are reports the militants are also extorting money from individuals and businesses, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Thousands of people have been killed in sectarian fighting the Central African Republic since 2012, and 2.2 million people, about half the country's population, are in need of humanitarian aid, the statement said.