A UN peacekeeper from Nepal was shot in the head during a gun-battle with militiamen in northeastern Congo on Saturday, the UN said.

The soldier, who was not identified, survived and is being treated at a nearby hospital.

About 30 Nepali soldiers launched an operation early Saturday against militia fighters led by Thomas Lubanga around a market in Fataki, in northeastern Congo’s volatile Ituri province.

About four men opened fire on the UN troops as they arrived at the market. “Nepali soldiers returned fire and took control of the situation, capturing one militiamen,” the UN said.