The death toll of South African soldiers fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 13 after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed the loss of four more soldiers.
The SANDF reported that three South African peacekeepers were killed on Monday when the M23 rebels launched a mortar attack that hit their base. A fourth soldier died from injuries sustained during combat last week as the rebel group advanced toward the eastern city of Goma.
Nine South African soldiers were killed on Thursday and Friday during intense fighting as the M23 rebels pushed closer to Goma. The remaining injured soldiers are receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Goma.
The conflict continues to escalate in Goma, despite international calls for the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels to halt their advance on the city. Goma, a mineral-rich area, is home to over a million people.