AFC/M23 Drone Strike Inflicts Heavy Losses on FARDC Coalition Forces in Minembwe

Fighters from the AFC/M23 have reportedly inflicted heavy losses on coalition forces allied to the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a major drone strike in the Minembwe area of South Kivu Province.

The attack reportedly targeted positions in Mikenke, located in Mwenga Territory, where intense clashes have continued between AFC/M23 and pro-government forces.

Videos circulating on social media, allegedly filmed by FARDC soldiers after the strikes, appear to show the bodies of several soldiers lying on the ground following attacks carried out by drones.

The footage also shows buildings heavily damaged by the explosions, illustrating the intensity of the bombardment.

Mikenke, Gakenke, Kalingi and several other areas in Minembwe have recently become focal points of repeated drone strikes and military confrontations. Most of the attacks have reportedly involved coalition forces supporting Kinshasa, including the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Wazalendo militias, Burundi troops and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

In a statement issued after the latest strikes, FARDC condemned what it described as drone attacks conducted by the “AFC-M23 coalition” in South Kivu, accusing the group of worsening insecurity and endangering civilians.

The Congolese army also said it would continue military operations aimed at recapturing territories under AFC/M23 control in South Kivu.