UN and Congolese soldiers launched a major operation against a militia in the lawless east of the huge country today four days after a landmark poll to adopt a post-war constitution, the UN said.
A UN spokesman said a government soldier and seven militiamen were killed when hundreds of Nepalese UN peacekeepers and some 1,500 Congolese soldiers, backed up by helicopter gunships, clashed with militiamen in Ituri province.
The clashes highlighted insecurity in the east days after millions voted in Congo's first free national poll in 40 years.
Latest results released today showed that with nearly 60 percent of polling stations counted, the "yes" vote had just over 80 percent - which appeared to guarantee the adoption of a constitution paving the way for elections in 2006.
"There is a major operation going on at the moment; 375 of our men and 1,500 Congolese soldiers are carrying out an operation to restore the rule of law," said Major Hans-Jakob Reichen, a military spokesman for the UN peacekeeping force.
"Clashes are taking place and the UN is giving fire support," Major Reichen said of the fighting near Fataki, around 75 km (50 miles) north of Bunia, in Ituri province.
"So far one Congolese soldier has died and seven militiamen have been killed."
Major Reichen said the militiamen involved in the fighting were Lendu fighters who have refused to join a UN-backed disarmament process and are accused of atrocities against civilians.