MiG jet shot down in DRC

Rwanda shot down a Zimbabwean MiG jet-fighter during fighting for control of Pweto town in Katanga Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwandan state radio reported on Thursday. But Zimbabwean military officials, while confirming the attack on Pweto by Congolese rebel backed by Rwanda, denied their jet was shot down. Vast quantities of equipment, including several tanks, armoured personnel carriers, machine-guns, howitzers and ammunition were reportedly captured after the town fell to the rebels last Sunday.

On Wednesday, General Vitalis Zvinavashe, commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, confirmed the attack on Pweto. “Yes, Pweto was attacked but I do not have details about the results of the attack.” Colonel Chancellor Diye, the army spokesman, denied the incident. “That is not correct,” he said. “Nothing of that sort happened.” The capture of Pweto on Lake Mweru near the Zambian border, is considered one of the most significant blows to a fragile peace deal signed in Lusaka last year.