UN authorizes intervention force for Congo
The UN Security Council has authorized a new "intervention brigade" for Congo.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The UN Security Council has authorized a new "intervention brigade" for Congo with an unprecedented mandate to take military action against rebel groups to help bring peace to the country s conflict-wracked east.
The resolution, which the council adopted unanimously, gives the brigade a mandate to carry out offensive operations alone or with Congolese army troops to neutralize and disarm armed groups.
The intervention brigade is unprecedented in U.N. peacekeeping because of its offensive mandate.
But the resolution states clearly that it would be established for one year "on an exceptional basis and without creating a precedent" to the principles of U.N. peacekeeping.
