The military in the Democratic Republic of Congo has said that it killed 14 Mai-Mai Mazembe militiamen in an operation launched last week in Lubero district, North Kivu province. The offensive has been carried out in the villages of Kanyambi, Kitshumbiro and Mubana, which had been occupied by the militiamen.
The militia had previously attacked the said villages and occupied them killing several villagers causing many villagers to flee their homes for fear of being killed. There was fierce fighting between the two sides before the militiamen were overpowered and three army men sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
Several militia groups in eastern DR Congo often attack villages, stealing food, medicine and other property. Their attacks have intensified since the end of last year when President Joseph Kabila refused to step down after his term in office expired.
