UN helicopter shot at in Congo: 2 peacekeepers injured
Illustrative photo: UN peacekeepers attacked in DR Congo (Getty Images)
In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), militants have attacked a United Nations (UN) mission helicopter. Two peacekeepers were injured as a result of the attack, according to information from the UN press service.
According to a representative of the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a briefing, the attack was likely carried out by members of the armed group M23 (March 23 Movement). They " fired upon one of our UN helicopters."
"The incident resulted in injuries to two South African peacekeepers, including one that was seriously wounded," the statement said.
As per information from France-Presse, the mission helicopter was able to land safely after the attack. The shooting occurred in the vicinity of the city of Goma.
UN mission in Congo
The UN peacekeeping mission with a strength of about 18,000 personnel was deployed in eastern Congo after replacing the previous UN operation in 2010. Its mandate includes supporting the efforts of the Congolese government to stabilize the region torn by the violence of rebels.
The current incident is not the first attack on representatives of the UN Mission in Congo. For example, a year ago, rebels in the eastern part of this country fired on a helicopter with peacekeepers, resulting in the death of one of the helicopter's passengers.
