Congo: Gunmen attack UN Helicopter

Armed rebels from a remote town in Northern Democratic Republic of Congo, yesterday attacked a United Nation's [UN] Helicopter headed to Dongo town.

The helicopter which was carrying supplies to Ghanaian peacekeepers, was ambushed by armed gunmen while on ground. at least five people were injured.

UN's Spokesperson in Congo however confirmed that the five who were injured in the 2 pm attacks are in stable condition.

According to UN reports, the attackers are suspected to have been involved in tribal clashes that claimed many lives in the area. Last week's ethnic clashes between the Lobala and Boba tribesmen resulted in ruthless killings of at least 100 villagers.

Fear and tension in the area has caused about 50,000 civilians to flee their homes and seek refuge neighboring Congo Brazzaville.

The UN backed a peacekeeping mission in the country to help wipe out local, Rwanda and Uganda rebels, who control rich mines in the eastern part of the country.

Two Congolese warlords are currently being tried at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Hague, for war crimes against humanity. Congo has been under civil war since independence over control of its vast mineral deposits. [ER]