Ukrainian peacekeepers launch the airstrike at militants in DR Congo

Ukrainian peacekeepers launched air strikes on a militant camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Reported by Militarnyi with reference to the 18th Helicopter Detachment.

The command of the UN Mission gave task order to the Ukrainian military to strike on the previously recognized targets of the Alliance of Democratic Forces militants near the town of Bunia.

“As a result of numerous insurgent attacks on settlements in the province of Northern Kivu, civilians continue to die,” the statement said.

Helicopters Mi-8 of the peacekeeping contingent of Ukraine of the 18th Helicopter Detachment were used for strikes.

In the course of the combat mission, Ukrainian pilots fired unguided missiles and used heat flare to avoid a possible militant attack.

“As a result of the operation, all planned targets were successfully destroyed,” said in the 18th Helicopter Detachment.

Such combat missions are common for pilots of the 18th Helicopter Detachment.

In accordance with the mandate of the UN Mission, deterrence and, if necessary, fire support of UN forces is one of the main tasks of the Ukrainian national contingent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background

For reference: The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) considered the deadliest group operating in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Initially, the militants based in western Uganda, but also began operations in the neighboring DRK.

In January 2022, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo launched a series of strikes on ADF-held positions in Virunga National Park in the east. The air strike follows a joint operation with Ugandan forces, which are also fighting the group.