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KIGALI, May 20 (AFP) - Heavy fighting between Rwandan government troops and Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) rebels in the north of the country has left at least 330 people dead during the past month, Rwandan Defense Minister James Gasana said.
Gasana told AFP here Tuesday that 300 RPF rebels and 30 government troops have been killed since April 17.
He also charged that the Ugandan army has stepped up its assistance to the rebels, supplying them with heavy weapons, many of which they are unable to use properly.
Gasana said the rebel strength was estimated at 3,000 to 4,000 men. He said Rwandan government forces were pushing the rebels toward the Ugandan border.
About 5,000 rebels comprised of Rwandan refugees invaded northern Rwanda in October 1990 from neighbouring Uganda.
mgu/cl/bm AFP AFP SEQN-0025
