AFC/M23 Accuses Kinshasa Coalition Forces of Intensifying Attacks

The AFC/M23 movement has accused coalition forces allied with the government in Kinshasa of escalating aerial attacks against civilian-populated areas following what it describes as repeated battlefield setbacks.

In a statement released by AFC/M23, the group said that between 11:30 a.m. on June 22 and 12:00 p.m. on June 23, coalition forces carried out sustained attacks on the densely populated area of Bidegu and its surroundings using kamikaze drones and KT-6 aircraft.

According to the statement, the attacks intensified on the morning of June 23, between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., targeting the heavily populated areas of Gakenke and Mikenke.

AFC/M23 claims that the continued bombing campaign has resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, left many others injured, and forced thousands of residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

The movement reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians, stating that it remains determined to defend local populations against any attacks.