Two civilians, militants killed in DRC fighting

Kinshasa, May 9 (IANS) At least two civilians and several militants were killed during fighting between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) armed forces and Mayi-Mayi Yakutumba militia, an official said.

The national army had Tuesday launched an offensive against rebel positions, killing several fighters of Yakutumba militia allied to the People's National Coalition for the Sovereignty of Congo led by William Amuri alias Yakutumba.

Authorities in the 10th military region said an assailant was killed and three people, including two children, were injured.

"There were no deaths nor injuries in our ranks," Col. Anaphos Baburwa, the military commander for the 10th military region, said Thursday.

He said the militia had fled into the neighbouring Ngandja forest.

"They were pushed at least 20 km south of Baraka locality with several people whom they are using as human shields," he said.