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Attack in Central Sector: Protecting the Public
December 8th, 2011 by rodrigue mugaruka
By Rodrigue Mugaruka, Warden of the Central Sector
Yesterday at 10:00 AM, two of our vehicles were ambushed while driving on a road through the park about 30 miles south of Rwindi in the central sector.
We came upon a public minibus that would normally carry about 20 civilians on its way to Butembo, but it was empty and appeared to be having engine trouble. About 12 meters from the minibus, we suddenly fell into heavy gunfire. The vehicle I was driving took a hit, but the bullets missed me and the rangers in the back of the pick-up.
See the bullet holes in the hood of the car at the bottom left corner of the picture.
As we all jumped out to take cover, the assailants ran up a hill into the forest, and a 15-minute gun battle ensued. The bandits had the advantage of forest cover and height, but fortunately, none of my rangers suffered any injury. When the attackers finally fled, we then discovered four civilians who had been taken hostage in the forest. All were released unharmed and they expressed gratitude for the rescue. Most lost their personal effects such as phones and money, but the attackers fled without taking any luggage.
From all appearances and behavior, the men were FDLR Rwandan militia, and the attack against our vehicles appeared to be an organized ambush. The mini-bus was set up to simulate an engine failure with a driver and occupants repairing it. Three men not in uniform emerged from the forest with heavy fire to stop the vehicle under the protection of another group of FDLR which came from behind our vehicle. The main target was to reach the driver and destroy the vehicle engine.
It’s an extremely important part of conservation to take on all the responsibilities involved in the jurisdiction that we cover, and this includes protecting the public on the roads that pass through the park. On two occasions, in January and July, rangers died in similar attacks. In total this year, we have lost 11 rangers and 5 soldiers who assisted in patrols. We are extremely grateful there was no loss of life or injury to rangers or civilians in this incident.
Attack in Central Sector: Protecting the Public
December 8th, 2011 by rodrigue mugarukaBy Rodrigue Mugaruka, Warden of the Central Sector
Yesterday at 10:00 AM, two of our vehicles were ambushed while driving on a road through the park about 30 miles south of Rwindi in the central sector.
We came upon a public minibus that would normally carry about 20 civilians on its way to Butembo, but it was empty and appeared to be having engine trouble. About 12 meters from the minibus, we suddenly fell into heavy gunfire. The vehicle I was driving took a hit, but the bullets missed me and the rangers in the back of the pick-up.
See the bullet holes in the hood of the car at the bottom left corner of the picture.
As we all jumped out to take cover, the assailants ran up a hill into the forest, and a 15-minute gun battle ensued. The bandits had the advantage of forest cover and height, but fortunately, none of my rangers suffered any injury. When the attackers finally fled, we then discovered four civilians who had been taken hostage in the forest. All were released unharmed and they expressed gratitude for the rescue. Most lost their personal effects such as phones and money, but the attackers fled without taking any luggage.
From all appearances and behavior, the men were FDLR Rwandan militia, and the attack against our vehicles appeared to be an organized ambush. The mini-bus was set up to simulate an engine failure with a driver and occupants repairing it. Three men not in uniform emerged from the forest with heavy fire to stop the vehicle under the protection of another group of FDLR which came from behind our vehicle. The main target was to reach the driver and destroy the vehicle engine.
It’s an extremely important part of conservation to take on all the responsibilities involved in the jurisdiction that we cover, and this includes protecting the public on the roads that pass through the park. On two occasions, in January and July, rangers died in similar attacks. In total this year, we have lost 11 rangers and 5 soldiers who assisted in patrols. We are extremely grateful there was no loss of life or injury to rangers or civilians in this incident.
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