UN mission in DR Congo on 'high alert' after rebels' attack on eastern city

KIGALI, Rwanda

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is "on high alert" following fighting Wednesday in the eastern city of Bukavu, a spokesman said Thursday.

At least nine people were killed when security forces clashed overnight with an armed group in the capital of South Kivu province.

Rebels attacked several areas of the city, including military positions, leaving six attackers, two soldiers and one policeman dead.

Thirty-six attackers were captured and investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators.

“MONUSCO is closely monitoring the situation. The UN police and the force remain on high alert and in close contact with the provincial authorities,” MONUSCO spokesman Mathias Gillman told reporters.

Gillman said long-term patrols have been initiated.

Commander of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in South Kivu, Bob Kilubi, blamed the attack on the CPC4 rebel group.

The rebels have reportedly attempted to rescue their companions detained by Bukavu police since last week.

They targeted several positions of the Congolese force and police in urban neighborhoods, according to Kilubi.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​