An Indian pilot was taken hostage by Congo rebels on Saturday when his aircraft was attacked at an airstrip in a mining zone in North Kivu province, according to media reports.

Congolese authorities blamed Rwandan Hutu rebels for the attack. The aircraft belonged to Goma Express, which confirmed the attack. The identity of the Indian pilot could not be ascertained.

Authorities said the rebels, who looted the money on board the aircraft and abducted the co-pilot, were being pursued.

The chief pilot, a Russian national, flew back the plane to the provincial capital, said reports.