Fifteen Congolese army soldiers were killed on Friday, January 27 in an attack attributed to Codeco fighters in Djugu territory, Ituri. They fell into an ambush during which 7 militiamen were also killed. It is the first time since the province has been under siege that the army has suffered such a heavy loss with the death of senior officers.”
The soldiers killed were committed to combat patrols in the region. They were going as reinforcements to an army position attacked a few hours earlier by Codeco fighters.
They were surprised by the shootings of the militiamen from the top of the hills overlooking this section of the national road N°27, about fifty kilometers north of Bunia, the capital of the province. Among the soldiers killed, there are officers including a colonel and a lieutenant colonel.
The area of activity of these militiamen is particularly known for its gold quarries, some of which are exploited by these armed fighters.
Since the beginning of the month, this section has become more dangerous. Attacks have multiplied there. Two weeks ago, following another clash in the area, the army killed 12 militiamen, still in the same area.