An unnamed American official has told CNN that U.S. military planes will be used to transport French and African peacekeepers to the Central African Republic.

From CNN:

Troops will be flown from Burundi to the Central African Republic capital of Bangui, which has been wracked with violence. The American military also expects to fly in some French troops, which are working to secure the airport and disarm some militia members. The United States will provide security for its planes, but there is no indication on the number of troops involved. The operations is expected to be relatively small. Violence on the ground, which has included machetes, knives, rifles and grenades, will be a "big factor" in any U.S. operation, the official said.

Last week, the French began their intervention in CAR after the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved the use of military force in the former French colony.

The British are already assisting the French, having sent military equipment on a C-17 to help with the peacekeeping mission.

Since the intervention began French troops have begun patrolling the streets of Bangui, CAR's capital, and have come under fire while trying to disarm rebels in an incident French officials described as "insignificant."