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Soldiers

Guatemalan Peacekeepers Ambushed in DRC, Nation to Continue Contributions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Guatemalan President Oscar Berger commemorated the eight soldiers who lost their lives in a rebel ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Monday, describing them as heroes fighting for democracy, peace, and freedom. The attack occurred when 80 peacekeepers were ambushed while on a reconnaissance mission in the Garmaba National Park, leading to the deaths of eight soldiers and injuries to 14 others. Despite the tragic incident, Guatemala has decided to continue its commitment to the UN peacekeeping forces in the DRC, where a truce between the government and rebel groups is being maintained.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Guatemalan government has expressed its condolences to the families of the eight soldiers killed in the ambush, describing them as heroes who fought for democracy, peace, and freedom.
  • The attack on the peacekeeping forces in the DRC's Garmaba National Park was the deadliest on UN peacekeeping forces in the country over the past seven years.
  • Guatemala has 105 soldiers serving in the post-war UN mission in the DRC, with the country first sending troops in March of the previous year.
  • In addition to its commitment in the DRC, Guatemala has sent a contingent of troops to Haiti, the third group to participate in the Caribbean nation's UN peacekeeping missions.
  • President Oscar Berger, an army general, emphasized that Guatemala will continue to fulfill its duties to the UN peacekeeping forces in the DRC.
  • The Guatemalan government has maintained its peacekeeping forces in the DRC despite the attack, with a total of 80 peacekeepers ambushed on Monday.

Statistics:

  • 8 soldiers were killed in the ambush in the DRC's Garmaba National Park.
  • 14 soldiers were injured in the same incident.
  • 80 peacekeepers were ambushed on Monday morning.
  • 105 Guatemalan soldiers are serving in the post-war UN mission in the DRC.
  • Guatemala first sent troops to the DRC in March of the previous year.

Sources:

  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, Copyright 2006
  • Guatemala Government
  • UN Peacekeeping Forces in the DRC

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