Italy’s Ambassador to DRC, two other people killed in attack

Italy’s foreign ministry has confirmed that its ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo has been killed in an attack in the east of the country.

43-year-old Luca Attanasio, died in hospital on Monday after the United Nations convoy he was travelling in came under fire near Goma, a statement said.

The convoy reportedly belonged to the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP).

An Italian military police officer travelling with the envoy and a third person were also killed, reports say.

“It is with deep sadness that the foreign ministry confirms the death, today in Goma, of the Italian ambassador,” the ministry’s statement said.

Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio expressed his “great dismay and immense sorrow” at the killings.

“No effort will be spared to shed light on what happened,” he said.

The attack is believed to have been an attempted kidnapping, according to officials at the nearby Virunga National Park.

It happened at around 10:15 local time (08:15 GMT) just north of Goma, the officials told Reuters news agency.

It is not clear who was behind the attack, but many armed groups are known to operate in and around the park.

Via BBC