(CNN) -- American military aircraft will fly African and European peacekeepers to the Central African Republic, which is in the midst of a bloody internal conflict between various proclaimed Christian and Muslim militias and other rebel factions. The decision announced the Pentagon was followed by a statement from President Barack Obama, who called on the country's citizens to reject violence and urged the transitional government to join "respected leaders" in Muslim and Christian communities in calling for "calm and peace." "Individuals who are engaging in violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, as forces from other African countries and France work to restore security, the United States will support their efforts to protect civilians," Obama said.
@highlight
NEW: French President Francois Hollande will visit the Central African Republic on Tuesday
@highlight
U.S. President Barack Obama calls for the country to reject violence
@highlight
U.S. military to fly African and European peacekeepers into capital
@highlight
The Central African Republic is wracked by internal conflict
The request for near term help involves U.S. air support to enable the prompt deployment of @placeholder forces "to prevent the further spread of sectarian violence," Woog said.