UN Peacekeepers and Government Troops Launch Operation in Eastern DR Congo

UN peacekeepers and government troops have launched an operation against rebel groups in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to create a stable environment for the country's upcoming June elections. The operation, fought on two fronts, involved UN peacekeepers and government troops in the northeastern Ituri region and the eastern province of Sud-kivu. The UN and government troops used over 40 armored cars, several fighter and transport helicopters, and 3,800 troops to fight against the militia.

Key Takeaways:

• The operation aims to create a stable environment for the country's first elections in more than 40 years.
• UN peacekeepers and government troops fought against rebel groups on two fronts: in Ituri region and Sud-kivu province.
• The UN and government troops used over 40 armored cars and several fighter and transport helicopters in the operation.
• 3,800 troops were involved in the operation, including 500 UN peacekeepers and 2,500 government troops in Ituri region.
• 300 Pakistani UN peacekeepers and 1,000 government troops fought against anti-government militia in Sud-kivu province.
• The DRC is rich in minerals but still struggles with the effects of the 1998-2003 war, which left nearly 4 million people dead.
• The war officially ended in 2003, but bands of gunmen continue to terrorize civilians, particularly in the eastern region.

Statistics:

• 3,800 troops were involved in the operation.
• 500 UN peacekeepers and 2,500 government troops fought in Ituri region.
• 300 Pakistani UN peacekeepers and 1,000 government troops fought in Sud-kivu province.
• Over 40 armored cars were used in the operation.
• Several fighter and transport helicopters were used in the operation.
• Nearly 4 million people died during the 1998-2003 war, mostly from disease and hunger.
• The DRC has been suffering from the effects of the war for over 13 years.

Sources:

• Xinhua via COMTEX (Mar 1, 2006)