GOMA: A mortar attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has killed three Tanzanian soldiers and the injury of three others, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) force deployed in the region reported on Monday.
The incident occurred when a hostile mortar round fell near the camp where the soldiers were stationed, according to a statement released by the 10-nation SADC. Further details about the attack were not provided.
Additionally, a soldier from South Africa has also succumbed to health problems while undergoing treatment at a hospital, the statement noted.
The SADC deployed 2,900 soldiers to North Kivu province in December to assist Congolese government forces in their efforts against the M23 rebels. The M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, re-emerged in late 2021 after a period of dormancy and has since gained control over significant portions of the province.
Accusations have been leveled by Western governments and the United Nations against neighboring Rwanda, alleging its support for the Tutsi-led M23. However, Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.
The Southern African force comprises troops from regional military powerhouses such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi. This latest incident follows previous losses suffered by the force in mid-February when two South African soldiers were killed in a mortar attack.
