Categories: World

Rebels kill 9 in Burundi attack

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for February 26

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

An official in Burundi says nine people have been killed in an attack by rebels opposed to his government and again accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting the armed group.

Government spokesman Jérôme Niyonzima described a “cowardly attack” by assailants with rifles in western Bubanza province Sunday night.

He said six women and a soldier were among the victims of the attack in Gihanga, and five others were injured.

AT LEAST 2 DOZEN CONGOLESE CIVILIANS KILLED BY ISIS-LINKED REBELS THIS WEEK

The rebel group RED-Tabara claimed responsibility. Its fighters are based in South Kivu province of neighboring eastern Congo. The group said it killed six Burundian soldiers in the attack.

One resident of the area told The Associated Press that government troops fled the scene as heavily armed attackers pursued them and opened fire on civilians.

The Burundian flag is photographed in Musenyi, Burundi, on Nov. 14, 2012. (Photo by TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images)

“We live in fear of being attacked at any time,” another witness said.

Both witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for their safety.

RED-Tabara also claimed responsibility for a Dec. 22 attack that it said killed 10 security officials. Burundi’s government said 20 people were killed, the majority civilians.

Burundian authorities assert that RED-Tabara operates with the support of Rwanda’s government.

“The government of Burundi once again deplores the behavior of Rwanda which maintains, trains and arms the terrorist group RED-Tabara,” said Niyonzima, the government spokesman.

Burundi last month suspended diplomatic relations with Rwanda and closed their border, calling it a response to Rwanda’s alleged backing of RED-Tabara. Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has accused Rwandan authorities of supporting RED-Tabara.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Rwandan officials deny the allegations.

Share

Recent Posts

Mars study suggests ocean’s amount of water could be miles beneath red planet’s surface

New research suggests Mars could have enough water under its surface to form a global…

4 weeks ago

Perseid meteor shower peaks Sunday night, potentially giving stargazers big show

The Perseid meteor shower peaks late Sunday night, and given that it will be paired…

4 weeks ago

Scientists discover massive cave on moon that could be used to shelter astronauts

An Italian-led team of scientists say they have confirmed evidence of a sizable cave on…

2 months ago

Anna Paulina Luna calls for $10,000 per day fine on Garland for Biden-Hur audio tape

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., is now threatening to force a vote on a measure…

2 months ago

Whitmer claims those who think Biden can’t win Michigan are ‘full of s—’

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took to social media to call out critics who say President…

2 months ago

Longtime Biden Senate colleague calls for ‘new candidate’ after Biden debate performance: ‘Disaster’

Former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, who served with President Biden in Congress for over 20…

2 months ago