U.N. peacekeepers in northeastern Congo have killed as many as 60 militia members in a vicious gun fight, a U.N. spokesman said Wednesday. The fire fight took place on Tuesday 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Bunia, the capital of the violent Ituri province, where nine peacekeepers were murdered Feb. 25 by militia in a well-executed ambush. "While on operation we were fired upon, so we immediately responded," said Col. Dominique Demange, spokesman for the U.N. forces in Congo. Demange said the United Nations used an attack helicopter in the operation against the militia. He said between 50 and 60 militia had been confirmed dead. The operation involved over 200 peacekeepers, two transport helicopters and armored vehicles, said U.N. spokeswoman Eliane Nabaa.
