The South African Army has announced the death of 9 of its members in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where two civilians were also killed and two others injured in clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the March 23 Movement rebels in the village of Nyundo in the Kalehe region.

According to reports from civil society, the March 23 Movement launched an attack on army positions to seize the village. Still, the army could repel the assault using its air forces.

Since January 19, the rebels have managed to take control of several areas in the region, while authorities have taken measures to pursue them.