U.N. paints Congo helicopters orange to protect against attacks

Humanitarian workers and passengers disembark from a United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) helicopter managed by the World Food Programme (WFP), painted in orange colour as part of efforts to improve safety of operations in the restive eastern Congo at the Mahagi airstrip in Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo in this photograph released on April 20, 2023. World Food Programme/Handout via REUTERS

The United Nations has painted bright orange its two white helicopters providing humanitarian relief in eastern Congo in an effort to protect them from militia attacks by distinguishing them from other aircraft.

Insecurity has worsened in east Congo since a rebel group known as the M23 - one of many armed militias active in the region - launched a fresh offensive last year.