On January 10, 2019, UPC rebels using "heavy weaponry" launched an attack on the town of Bambari in an attempt to seize resources and to extort the local population by collecting their taxes.

[13][14] On 11 January, two French Mirage 2000 fighter jets stationed in neighboring Chad conducted close air support along with two "show of force" demonstrations over Bambari in a mission that lasted four hours and required refueling from a C-135 Tanker.

[15] After days of relative calm, Portuguese, Nepalese, and Bangladesh forces launched an attack during Operation BEKPA 2 on January 17.

[3][16] MINUSCA spokesmen Vladimir Monteiro told the Defense Times that Peacekeeping forces "engaged UPC elements in two Bambari Neighborhoods".

[17] On January 19, UPC forces killed an aid worker and a teacher, Portuguese and Nepalese peacekeepers responded and clashes continued, fire was directed towards the neighborhoods of Bornou and Livestock a local resident said.