Democratic Republic of the Congo: 23 dead in clashes between army and Cooperative For the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia in Ituri
Twenty-three militias were killed in fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and militias in Ituri province, the army said Friday.
After fierce battles with members of the Cooperative For the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia group Thursday, the army regained control of four villages once occupied by militiamen in Bese, 90 kilometers (55 miles) north of Bunia, in the territory of Djugu, army spokesman Lt. Jules Ngongo, told reporters.
“Twenty-three militias were killed, 12 others captured, and seven AK 47 weapons recovered,” he said.
Fighting was part of ongoing Operation Zaruba ya Ituri” launched to end decades of insecurity in the area, according to Ngongo.
Villages recaptured by the army include Lipri, Nyangaray and Kabakaba, after the clashes, said Ngongo.