5 dead, 750 escape in rebel attack on eastern Congo prison
BENI, Congo (AP) — At least five people, including two policemen, were killed in an attack on a prison in which about 750 inmates escaped in Congo’s eastern Butembo town, local officials said Wednesday.
Rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces attacked the Kakwangura prison early Wednesday during a transfer of prisoners, said Capt. Anthony Mwalushay, spokesman for the Congolese army in Beni. Three ADF attackers burned to death in the assault, he said.
The rebels launched the attack based on information that women prisoners associated with their group would be transferred from Beni to Butembo, he said.
“We call on the population to remain calm,” he said.