By Updater
Nine people, including six Chinese citizens, were killed on Wednesday, July 3, during an attack by CODECO militiamen in Abombi, in the Djugu territory (Ituri).
As reported by Radio Okapi, military sources reported this information on Thursday, July 4, on Radio Okapi.
According to the same sources, these militiamen also raided other villages in this region, including Blankete and Lodjo-Galay, where they set fire to several houses.
This raid by CODECO was in retaliation for the FARDC operations against its positions last Sunday, according to local sources.
The army spokesman in Ituri, Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, confirmed this toll and stated that these militiamen in disarray were fleeing the army’s offensive and were unleashing themselves on the defenseless civilian population.
Lieutenant Jules Ngongo also indicated that loyalist forces were continuing military operations to impose peace in the Djugu territory.
Ituri province has been facing abuses by armed groups for nearly two decades.
These abuses have already caused the displacement and death of thousands of innocent civilians, according to the UN and several local and international organizations.