Nine dead in Congo rebel drive

Congolese soldier watches as Rwandan troops pass on road east of Goma
Congo let thousands of Rwandan soldiers in to help fight Hutu rebels

The Congolese military says nine Hutu rebels have been killed in eastern DR Congo, as a joint drive with Rwandan soldiers against rebels is stepped up.

A Congolese army commander reported fighting with Rwandan Hutu rebels in five villages in the Lubero area, over 200km (125 miles) north of Goma.

Meanwhile there is no word on the possible extradition to DR Congo of Tutsi rebel chief Laurent Nkunda.

He was was arrested in Rwanda on Thursday night.

A Congolese army commander reported fighting with Rwandan Hutu rebels in five villages in the Lubero area, over 200km (125 miles) north of Goma.

Meanwhile there is no word on the possible extradition to DR Congo of Tutsi rebel chief Laurent Nkunda.

He was was arrested in Rwanda on Thursday night.

Congolese soldiers are fighting alongside at least 3,500 Rwandan soldiers to disarm the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

Members of this ethnic Hutu militia fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide against Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Some FDLR leaders are accused of involvement in the genocide.

General John Numbi, who is in charge of joint operations with Rwandan troops, reported fighting in five villages in Lubero on Friday and Saturday.

He said nine FDLR fighters had been killed and one Congolese soldier wounded.


Credits: BBC