Army tries to dislodge rebels from southeast

Since the start of the new year, clashes have taken place between government and rebel forces across a broad front, the Burundi ‘Azania’ news agency reported on Wednesday. Quoting a military source, the agency said the army had begun an offensive aimed at “cleansing” Gisuru, Kinyinya, Giharo and Nyabitsinda communes of rebel elements. Giharo commune was particularly affected in its northern and eastern areas, the report said. Violent clashes on Monday were believed to have left some rebels dead with the loss of two government soldiers, ‘Azania’ added. The agency also reported that three civilians were killed and 20 others injured near Rumonge on Tuesday when snipers fired on villagers heading towards their fields. Five people believed to be behind the incident were later caught and lynched by a mob at Ruhora, it added.