Congo
Congolese army helicopters have killed a number of civilians while attacking a rebel camp north of Goma.
OMA | Wed Jul 24, 2013 3:17pm BST
(Reuters) - At least 10 civilians were injured, some of them seriously, in an attack by Congolese army helicopters on a rebel-held military base in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an official has said.
"(The helicopters) have been over Rumangabo for the last two hours. It seems there have been quite a number of victims," said Emmanuel De Merode, chief warden at the Virunga National Park, which has its headquarters a few kilometres from the camp.
He said 10 civilians wounded in the strikes had been admitted to the park's infirmary. One man lost his leg, and two children were seriously injured by shrapnel, he added. The rest of the victims were not seriously wounded.
"They missed their target and hit civilians," M23 spokesman Amani Kabasha said.
Congo army helicopter strikes hit civilians - park official | Reuters
Congolese army helicopters blast M23 positions | eNCA
It is likely (but yet to be confirmed) that Mi-24 gunships were used.
Details on Mi-24 helicopter.
South Africa
South African Air Force refuses to comment on allegations that its 18 Agusta A109 helicopters were grounded as there were no funds to operate them.
According to Beeld newspaper, it was told by an anonymous source that the helicopters were occasionally enabled, but did not ascend.
In the long-term, this reportedly meant pilots could lose their competency skills and that the helicopters would fall into disuse.
A senior SAAF officer reportedly told the newspaper the situation was grim.
Amid a 60% budget cut, it was considering selling the Gripens and not just the A109 helicopters, but all helicopter operations.
SANDF refuses to comment on helicopter operations - Sowetan LIVE