2 BSF personnel part of UN peacekeeping killed in Congo clash

Two Border Security Force personnel, who were part of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, were killed on Tuesday during a violent clash after a camp was attacked at Butembo.

A mob of over 500 people attacked the camp of the Morocco Rapid Deployment battalion at Butembo where Indian troopers were deployed. One member of the Moroccan force is also feared to have died in the clash.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar was "deeply grieved" at the loss of lives and asked for accountability. "The perpetrators of these outrageous attacks must be held accountable and brought to justice," he said.


Officials said additional forces from the Army component of the UN peacekeeping force are being rushed to secure the camp after the situation went out of hand.

"Locals had given a call for demonstration and agitation against the UN forces throughout DR Congo. On Monday, the situation turned violent in Goma with looting and setting fire to UN property. Both Beni and Butembo, where two BSF platoons are deployed, were on high alert," officials said.