27 civilians killed by Hutu rebels in Congo’s east, 100 taken hostage, UN radio says

UN radio: 27 civilians killed by rebels in Congo

KINSHASA, Congo — A U.N.-run radio station says Rwandan Hutu rebels have killed at least 27 people in eastern Congo already this month.

Radio Okapi reported Monday that the rebels also have taken nearly 100 villagers hostage.

Eastern Congo has been wracked by violence since Rwanda’s 1994 genocide spilled war across the border. Hutu militias that participated in the massacres of more than 500,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus sought refuge in Congo.

In January 2009, a short joint operation was launched between the Congolese and Rwandan armies against the Hutu rebels. Congolese troops continue to pursue them.

The Hutu rebels are blamed for killing hundreds of villagers to retaliate against the army attacks.