A group of critically injured South African peacekeepers, wounded in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, have been evacuated by the United Nations, the South African armed forces announced on Tuesday. The soldiers, who had been receiving treatment in a hospital in the rebel-controlled city of Goma, have now returned to South Africa. However, the exact number of repatriated soldiers remains undisclosed.

The city of Goma, with a population of 2 million, was seized by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in January as part of their continuing offensive in Congo’s mineral-rich east. The rapid advance of the M23 rebels, supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, has resulted in the occupation of Goma and Bukavu, the two largest cities in eastern Congo. The offensive has reportedly led to the deaths of around 7,000 people, according to Congolese authorities.

The United Nations had been pushing for the Goma airport to be operational again to facilitate humanitarian aid and evacuations. An additional group of South African soldiers is expected to return home later this week, according to the South African National Defense Force (SANDF).

Pikkie Greef, the national secretary of the South African National Defense Union, reported that more than 100 South African sick and injured soldiers are being evacuated, with three requiring urgent medical attention. Among those being repatriated are two pregnant female soldiers. The evacuation was conducted through neighboring Rwanda.

The conflict has also claimed the lives of 14 South African peacekeepers in January, who were caught in the crossfire as the rebels advanced towards Goma. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers have already been repatriated.

The M23 spokesperson stated that up to 300 soldiers of various nationalities have left eastern Congo this week, including the injured South African troops. South Africa’s involvement in the southern African peacekeeping force in Congo has faced scrutiny at home, with questions raised about the soldiers’ equipment and preparedness. Allegations of misconduct and ill-discipline among South African troops have further complicated the situation.

The Southern African peacekeeping force, which includes Malawian and Tanzanian soldiers, was intended to replace the U.N. peacekeeping force in eastern Congo. However, the planned withdrawal of the U.N. force, known as MONUSCO, has been put on hold. At least three Malawian soldiers were killed in the fighting in January, prompting Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera to consider withdrawing his country’s troops.

The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile as the international community continues to monitor the developments closely.

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