Pretoria - Thirteen South African soldiers have been killed and 27 wounded in a clash with rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR), the South African military said on Monday.
One soldier was missing, SA National Defence Force (SANDF) chief, General Solly Shoke, told reporters in Pretoria.
He said the South African soldiers were engaged in an high-intensity battle that lasted for 13 hours.
“It was 200 of us against 3000 rebels.”
All the injured had been evacuated to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria and were in a stable condition. Those only slightly hurt were treated on the scene and were able to carry on with their responsibilities.
Shoke said the rest of the force in CAR were in good state and were receiving all the support that they deserved.
“Our troops are still there until there is a political arrangement. We will be advised. Our government will decide to pull out or not. Running away is not an option.”
After the battle a truce was agreed.
“The rebels came with a white flag - if someone is carrying a white flag you cannot shoot them,” he said.
He said the ceasefire had not been broken for the past 24 hours.
“It is worth mentioning that the rebels apologised for having exchanged fire with the members of the SANDF and indicated that they regret that this had transpired.” - Sapa