New Delhi: Indian troops on UN peacekeeping
mission in Congo came under an attack from armed men suspected
to belong to Mayi Mayi rebel group at Rwindi near Goma a
couple of days ago, according to reports reaching here.
In the fierce fight after the attack on the Indian
company operating base (COB) at Rwindi, eight rebels were
killed. The troops recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, three
magazines, large quantity of ammunition, three machetes, hand
grenades, explosives and other war-like stores, an Army
release said here today.
No casualty was reported from the Indian troops.
"Indian troops at Rwindi in Congo repulsed an attack by
30-40 armed men likely from Mayi Mayi rebel group on their
company operating base(COB). Eight rebels were killed, in the
exchange of fire," the release said. The attack took place on
October 25 around 2230 Hours.
Rwindi, 140 km north of Goma, is the COB of Indian
Battalion-4 in the Virunga National Park. Goma is the capital
of the restive North Kivu province of Congo.
"Despite repeated warnings from Indian troops, the rebels
continued their advance towards the base, opening fire on
peacekeepers and trying to enter the company premises from
different directions.
"Our troops retaliated purely in self-defence with an
appropriate response as per the `Rules Of Engagement` to repel
the imminent threat. The ensuing clash lasted nearly 20
minutes," the release said.
The Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) subsequently captured
some individuals, who are in detention. A detailed
investigation into this incident, including the identification
of the perpetrators and their motives, is now underway, in
coordination with the Congolese authorities, the Army said.
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PTI
