'Dark day': Congo rebels kill 2 health agents fighting Ebola
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Congo's health minister called it a "dark day" for everyone fighting the deadly Ebola outbreak after rebels shot and killed two medical agents with the Congolese army who had been assisting health officials.
It appeared to be the first time health workers have been killed by rebels in this outbreak, which is taking place in what has been compared to a war zone. Multiple rebel groups are active in Congo's far northeast.
The health ministry statement late Saturday said Mai Mai rebels surged from the forest and opened fire on the unarmed agents with the army's rapid intervention medical unit at an entrance to Butembo city.
The daytime attack appeared premeditated, with civilians present left unharmed, the statement said.