Armymen repulse major attack in Congo

Indian Army peacekeepers serving under the United Mission in Congo have repulsed a major attack by around 30 members of a rebel group on their post, killing three attackers, in the troubled North Kivu province.

The attack was launched by the Mai Mai group on Friday in Lubero, the main town of North Kivu province where dozens of illegal armed groups control several villages.

"Indian peacekeepers repulsed the attack in which three of the attackers were killed and one was wounded," the Army said.

Currently, India has a total of 2,664 military personnel deployed in Congo under the UN mission there.

"Friday's attack was a rare frontal assault on the UN forces deployed for protecting civilians in Congo," said the Army spokesperson.

In 2010, an attack by rebels on an Indian post in Kirumba in North Kivu province had left three Indian soldiers killed after the attackers were able to intrude the base, Army sources said.

A total of 153 Indians have laid down their lives under the UN flag including Capt GS Salaria (posthumous) who was awarded Param Veer Chakra in Congo in 1961.

The Indian brigade currently conducts an average of 2,300 patrols per month in the troubled region, apart from ensuring protection of civilians.