The South African Army (SANDF) has confirmed the death of one of its peacekeeping soldiers following Thursday’s violent clashes with M23 rebels near the city of Sake, situated 27 kilometers west of Goma in North Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The SANDF also revealed that 13 other soldiers were wounded in the scathing attack by the M23 who were retaliating to an ambush which was initially launched by the Congolese army (FARDC).
“The members of the SANDF came into contact with the M23 in Sake, during the ensuing battle between the M23 and our forces. 13 members were wounded and one was fatally wounded. All injured members have been evacuated to the hospital in Goma and are recovering,” a statement by SANDF reads.
Two armoured vehicles of South African soldiers were also destroyed by the rebels. The South African army is part of the SADC force deployed to fight the M23 rebellion.
South Africa has already lost a total of four soldiers in clashes with the M23 rebels.
On Friday, fighting between the FARDC and the M23 continued for the second consecutive day on the hills overlooking the city of Sake with local sources revealing that the army and the Wazalendo militia are currently requesting for additional reinforcement as they struggle to contain the assault launched by the M23.
