UN soldiers have come under fire in the northeastern province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were shot at while disembarking from a helicopter during a reconnaissance mission outside the provincial capital.

A UN attack helicopter flying overhead responded with heavy fire. The UN soldiers were evacuated and there are no reports of casualties.

The identity of the attackers has not been confirmed but a UN spokeswoman says ethnic Hema militia are operating in the area.




The UN is in the region to protect civilians from attacks by rival Hema and Lendu militias.