MONUC continues its 'Cordon and Search' operations in Ituri

As previously announced, MONUC's Ituri Brigade continues ' at a sustained tempo ' its 'Cordon and Search' operations aimed at neutralizing militiamen, reducing their capacity for nuisance, forcing them into flight or retreat and cutting off their sources of illegal revenues as well as their weapons and ammunition supply lines.

Accordingly, on Wednesday 16 March 2005, Operation Djugu* VI was carried out by four companies, approximately 500 peacekeepers, from the Bangladeshi, Pakistani, South African, Moroccan and Nepalese contingents. The combined operation consisted in conducting a 'Cordon and Search' mission in the district of Zumbe, suspected of being home to the Front of the Nationalists for Integration (FNI) elements. During the operation, which ended at about 13:30hrs, no contact occurred between MONUC forces and militiamen, although weapons and ammunitions were discovered and seized.

Transport helicopters and Armoured Personnel Carriers took the troops into the zone of operations with the close air support of armed helicopters.

MONUC Forces are determined to pursue their actions aimed at stabilizing Ituri, protecting the civilians and contributing to the restoration of peace, the rule of Law and the State's authority in the district, within the framework of MONUC's mandate and in strict compliance of the UN Chapter Seven and their rules of engagement.

* Djugu, one of the five administrative territories of the Ituri district, has been, since December 2004, the scene of exactions on civilians committed by militiamen which have caused the displacement of about 80,000 people.

Contacts media :
-Kemal SAIKI, Public Information Director ' email : saiki@un.org ' tel : +243 81 890 7506
-Mamadou BAH, Spokesman ' email : bahm@un.org ' tel : +243 81 890 7706

Press Releases 2005