RDF: Nyaruguru assailants had Burundian military equipment
Saturday, June 27, 2020

Latest information from Rwanda Defence Force indicates that the assailants who attacked the border sector of Ruheru in Nyaruguru District had military equipment that are standard issue of the Burundian military, the Force de Defence Nationale du Burundi.

The attackers who targeted Yanze IDP Model Village that is built a short distance from the Burundian border were repulsed and four of them were killed, while three were captured, according to the latest information from RDF.

"Assailants left behind four of their dead, military equipment that includes weapons and communication radios, and dry rations marked "Force de Defense Nationale du Burundi" (Burundi Armed Forces). Three of the attackers were also captured,” reads an updated statement issued by RDF Spokesperson Lt Col Innocent Munyengango on Saturday, June 27.

According to Munyengango, three RDF soldiers sustained minor injuries from the attack.

"We reassure Rwandans that action will be taken against those responsible. We are pursuing, through diplomatic channels, precise information about these repeated attacks,” he said in the statement.

The attack lasted between 20 and 30 minutes, according to the military.

Meanwhile, speaking to local media, the Mayor of Nyaruguru District, François Habitegeko said that the assailants divided them into two groups; one targeting Yanze IDP Model Village and another one that targeted the RDF defensive position in the area.

They were both repulsed and fled back into Burundi.

According to the Mayor, some of the attackers were identified by villagers as people who had been seen in the area disguised as porters.