2nd LD: At least 14 UN peacekeepers, 5 DR Congo soldiers killed in attack

GOMA, DR Congo, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 peacekeepers were killed on Thursday night in an attack by suspected ADF rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations mission in the DRC said Friday.

Five DRC soldiers were also killed and 53 other peacekeepers wounded in the attack in North Kivu province, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) said in a statement.

"Suspected ADF elements conducted an attack against a MONUSCO Company Operating Base at Force at Semuliki in Beni territory, North Kivu. This resulted in protracted fighting between suspected ADF elements and MONUSCO and FARDC Forces," the statement said, referring to the armed forces of the DRC.

"Initial reports indicate that 14 MONUSCO peacekeepers and five FARDC soldiers were killed. An additional 53 MONUSCO peacekeepers were wounded in this incident.

"I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of peacekeepers and FARDC soldiers who lost their lives, or were injured in the service of peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last hours," Maman Sidikou, special representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in the DRC and head of MONUSCO, was quoted as saying.

"I condemn in the strongest terms this deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers and the FARDC," Sidikou said. "Attacks against those who are working in the service of peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are cowardly and constitute serious violations."

"MONUSCO will take all actions to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and brought to justice," he said. Enditem