UPDF Repulses M23 at Bunagana Border, Captures 14 Rebels

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) has repulsed M23 rebels from the Bunagana border where they had intensified fighting with Congolese troops.

During the operation to repulse the attackers, UPDF captured 14 M23 rebels, 12 SMG guns, 1 RPG and 1 PK which were recovered from the captured rebels during the Tuesday battle.

Uganda’s national army pushed the rebels back about 4km inside DR Congo.

According to security sources, M23 rebels attacked the border post of Bunagana on Tuesday.

They destroyed some houses in Uganda and fired an RPG into Uganda.
Their intention was to burn the road construction equipment in no man’s land.

“But since we were ready for them, those are the results. The situation at Bunagana border with DR Congo is now getting back to normal,” the source told SoftPower News on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a Puma helicopter with eight occupants belonging to United Nations Mission in DR Congo was brought down at around 12:00/c at Cyanzu, Rushuri District North Kivu province about 8km from Bunagana border.

One UPDF soldier was injured on the shoulder and taken to Kisoro Hospital for medication.

A number of armed forces of DR Congo both police and army (FARDC) surrendered to Uganda authorities with about 21 guns.

Some casualties from DR Congo forces were evacuated to Kisoro hospital in Uganda by the Red Cross for treatment.

So far, 572 asylum seekers have been registered at Nyakabande Refugee Transit Centre while about 10,000 others are in areas of Bunagana town council and Kisoro municipality.