Three Indian soldiers killed in Congo

Three Indian soldiers, who were part of the UN peacekeeping force in Congo, were killed and seven others injured when rebel forces attacked their base in the Kirumba province of the central African nation today. The soldiers were from the 19 Kumaon Regiment of the Army and were deployed in Congo as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force, Army officials said here.

“The incident happened when around 50-60 suspected rebels of militia group 'MAYI-MAYI' attacked the unit base in the Kirumba province in Congo around 0150 hours Congo Standard Time today,” they added. While a small group of four to five members distracted the guard on duty by striking a conversation with him, the remaining members of the rebel group attacked the periphery of the post from the surrounding jungle, officials said.

After five minutes of the attack, the rebels fled into the forest. The 19 Kumaon Regiment has been deployed in Congo since February this year. With over 3,500 soldiers, India has the largest contingent of troops as part of the UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO in Congo. — PTI

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