Death toll of SANDF soldiers killed by M23 in DRC increases

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that four soldiers have been killed during a clash with the M23 rebels group in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

At the weekend, the defence force also confirmed that nine troops were killed during a fierce two-day clash with the M23 rebels in Goma, eastern DRC.

MORE SANDF MEMBERS KILLED IN DRC

On Tuesday, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said following an exchange of mortar bomb between the FARDC, Congolese Defence Force and the M23 rebel militia on Monday, 27 January, near Goma Airport where the SANDF base is collocated, three members of the SANDF were caught in the crossfire and were killed.�

Dlamini said the M23 rebels launched several a mortar bomb in the direction of Goma Airport, which landed in the SANDF base, and this resulted in the SANDF losing three members.�

“Furthermore, the SANDF is also saddened to announce that one of our members who was injured during the battle with M23 rebels over the past three days later succumbed to injuries. The rest of the injured members continue to receive medical attention at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma,” Dlamini said.

Dlamini said the defence force 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. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga has sent her heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family.”