General Rudzani Maphwanya of the SANDF reveals that the M23 militia in the DRC has sustained significant casualties during a fierce battle with South African, Malawian, and Tanzanian forces, resulting in the deaths of 13 South African soldiers and three Malawian soldiers.
Chief of SANDF , General Rudzani Maphwanya says M23 suffered huge casualties during fierce fight in DRC | Published 2h ago The South Africa n National Defence Force says militia group M23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo suffered considerable casualties during a gun battle with the regional peacekeeping force comprised of armed forces from South Africa , Malawi and Tanzania .
Reports from the DRC government, the United Nations and the United States have previously indicated that the M23, a Tutsi-led ethnic group, is supported by Rwanda. The militia group claims it seeks to protect interests of the Tutsi people in DRC and other minorities.On Thursday, Maphwanya said the M23 rebels are the cause of instability in the eastern mineral-rich region.
“In response, our forces executed counter-bombardments. On the fateful day of January 23, 2025, the M23 rebels launched a full-scale attack on our troops in an attempt to take control of Sake, aiming to gain access to Goma, the provincial capital of eastern DRC,” said Maphwanya. "Regrettably, on Monday, several long-range mortar bombs were launched towards Goma airport, with some landing in the SANDF base, leading to the loss of three additional SA National Defence Force soldiers,” said Maphwanya.
“The SANDF as part of SAMIDRC remains steadfast in supporting all peace-building efforts aimed at addressing the escalating violence, finding peaceful resolution to the conflict and averting a humanitarian crisis.”Earlier on Thursday, IOL reported that in an unprecedented escalation of tensions between South Africa and Rwanda, President Paul Kagame has responded to President Cyril Ramaphosa, with Kagame accusing his Pretoria counterpart of distorting facts.
“The attacks on peacekeepers resulted in the deaths of SAMIDRC members from other troop contributing countries, namely, Malawi and Tanzania, as well members of the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC brigade. We honour all the lives that were lost and pass our condolences to their families, governments and citizens,” said Ramaphosa.
Rudzani Maphwanya South Africa Drc Goma Samidrc Sandf Paul Kagame Sake Cyril Ramaphosa Malawi Tanzania United Nations Stabilisation Mission United Nations Sadc Mission Rwandan Defence Force Monusco Uruguayan Republic Of Rwanda Tutsi United States Eastern Drc Un Organisation Stabilisation Mission Pretoria Sadc Armed Forces Fdlr Fardc Military Assistance
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SANDF denies allegations that SANDF forces surrendered to M23 rebels, SA furiousThe South African National Defence Force denied that a video of forces waving a white flag meant that the SANDF forces surrendered to the rebel M23 forces.
Read more »
SANDF Death Toll Rises in DRC Clash With M23 RebelsThe South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed four more soldiers were killed in a clash with the M23 rebels group in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This brings the total death toll to seven following a previous clash that claimed nine lives. The latest incident occurred on Monday near Goma Airport, where the SANDF base is situated. The M23 rebels launched several mortar bombs towards the airport, resulting in the SANDF losing three soldiers caught in the crossfire.
Read more »
Following deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers in DRC, SCOPA eagerly awaiting defence minister's Feb appearanceThe committee on Tuesday received a briefing from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on investigations into the department and arms manufacturer, Denel.
Read more »
Four more SANDF members killed in DRC, death toll rises to 13 - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.The total number of SANDF members killed in the region now stands at 13.
Read more »
SANDF Budget Cuts Criticized Amidst DRC CrisisSANDU Chief Negotiator Jeff Dubazana blames budget cuts for the SANDF's inability to effectively respond to the crisis in the DRC. The SADC is set to convene an emergency summit to address the situation.
Read more »
“Grateful for This New Chapter”: SANDF Soldier and Wife Celebrate New House in Sweet VideoA South African soldier, wearing his SANDF uniform celebrated his new house with his lovely wife. Netizens were impressed especially amid deployments to the DRC.
Read more »