Congo: 15 rebels who attacked Ugandan soldiers arrested

KAMPALA, Uganda

Armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have arrested 15 rebels who attacked a military unit in Uganda.

Eight of the arrested are said to be Congolese, while seven are Ugandans.

In a statement, the Congolese army said the attackers were rounded up over the past six days.

The group is part of about 80 suspected rebels which attacked an army unit in Zombo district near the DRC border on March 6.

While three soldiers were killed, 17 of the rebels were eliminated in retaliatory fire.

Lt Jules Ngongo, a DRC army spokesman in Ituri province, said: "15 rebels were arrested while trying to hide after losing their weapons. Their supply line was cut by our regular forces [...] they were attempting to return to their bases but we arrested them.''

The army has requested locals to report any rebels they see entering the country from Uganda.

According to Uganda's deputy army spokesman, Deo Akiki, the attackers, recruited by Congolese criminals, wanted to get hold of the arms and ammunitions at the detach.