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DR Congo

DR Congo: Operation Ituri Engraver - Civilians held back against their will

On Monday the 27th of February, the Congolese National Army (FARDC) and MONUC launched a joint operation, ITURI ENGRAVER, with the goal to dislodge armed groups in the Tchei area (province Orientale).


Intelligence gathered before the start of the operation, confirmed by aerial reconnaissance, showed that civilians were present in the Tchei area. These civilians are held back against their will by the militia.

This situation was a crucial factor throughout the preparation of the operation the planning of FARDC and MONUC action. It determined the conduct of the operation as well as the use of weapons.

Since the beginning of the operation, no report, on the fighting going on between FARDC supported by MONUC and the militia, has yet mentioned the physical use of persons as human shields.

Due to their rules of engagement, blue helmets have to identify their targets before opening fire with light or heavy weapons, such as attack helicopters. Units have to progress with all the necessary precaution due to the presence of these populations in the area of operations adding to the difficult terrain

All measures have been taken to avoid losses among the civilian population.