Rwandan army steps up offensive against rebels

The Tutsi-led army in Rwanda says it has killed twenty-four suspected Hutu militiamen in the northwest of the country, acting on information from Hutu civilians.

In an interview with the BBC, the military spokesman in the area, Major Emmanuel Ndahiro, said he welcomed the cooperation of the local community which would help the army curb increased rebel activity in northwest Rwanda.

He said the help of the residents around Ruhengeri was proof that Hutu militiamen were losing support, despite their claims that they represent the interests of civilians.

He added that local people were now increasingly targeted by the rebels and were turning against them to ensure peace and stability.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service