KINSHASA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is "on alert" following an incursion by a group of rebels early Wednesday in Bukavu, in eastern part of the country, MONUSCO-backed media outlet Radio Okapi reported Thursday, citing a spokesman.
A group of rebels attacked early Wednesday several areas of the city of Bukavu in the South Kivu province, including military positions. Six attackers, two soldiers and one policeman were killed after the "incursion," according to local officials.
"MONUSCO is closely monitoring the situation. The UN police and the force remain on high alert and in close contact with the provincial authorities," MONUSCO spokesman Mathias Gillman, was quoted by Radio Okapi, as saying.
Gillman added that long-term patrols have been initiated.
Thirty-six attackers were captured, and investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators, according to local officials.
Bob Kilubi, commander of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in South Kivu, blamed the attack on a rebel group called "CPC 64." The rebels attempted to rescue their companions detained by the Bukavu police since last week.
The rebels targeted several positions of the FARDC and the Congolese National Police in urban neighborhoods, Kilubi said. Enditem
