File
The South African National Defence Force had confirmed the deaths of three more South African soldiers in fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, said three members were killed in a mortar attack by M23 rebels fighting to take control of the northern city of Goma.
He said the soldiers were caught in the “crossfire” of an exchange of mortar fire near the city’s airport and where the SANDF base is located.
Dlamini said mortar shells fired by the rebels in the direction of Goma Airport landed in the base, resulting in the fatalities.
“Furthermore, the SANDF is also saddened to announce that one (1) of our members who was injured during the battle with M23 rebels over the past three days later succumbed to injuries,” he said.
This would bring the number of SANDF soldiers killed in the latest offensive by the M23 rebels, supported by the Rwandan army, to 13, after nine soldiers died in fighting over the weekend.
“The SANDF remains fully committed to its peacekeeping responsibilities under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
“Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage, and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region,” Dlamini said.
