Congolese government troops operating alongside United Nations peacekeepers killed nine militiamen in an offensive aimed at pacifying the violence-prone east ahead of historic elections, the army said on Sunday. After heavy fighting, the government forces entered the town of Tchei in Congo’s northeast Ituri district late on Saturday. But the rebel militia fighters counter-attacked early on Sunday and heavy machinegun and mortar fire could be heard from hills overlooking the town. Militia violence in Ituri has killed tens of thousands since 1999. Full Story