FARDC Drone Strikes Hit AFC/M23 bases in Katale as heavy clashes erupt in Kinyumba
The security situation in Masisi Territory, North Kivu, remains volatile following a series of drone strikes conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) against positions held by the AFC/M23 rebel group.
On Monday, the strategic hill of Katale came under heavy bombardment from unmanned aerial drones, causing panic among residents of Katale-Centre. Local sources report that the strikes, launched around 10 a.m., targeted key AFC/M23 positions believed to be fortifying the area.
This escalation follows similar attacks carried out on Sunday, when FARDC hit several AFC/M23 strongholds, including Kahongole—a hill facing Masisi-Centre near the territorial administrative offices—and Bukombo, located between Masisi-Centre and Nyabiondo.
According to information obtained by Kigali Daily News, the sustained drone offensives forced some AFC/M23 fighters to withdraw toward quieter zones. Meanwhile, civilians fled Bukombo in significant numbers, seeking safety in Nyabiondo as clashes intensified.
In a parallel development, heavy fighting was reported on Monday between AFC/M23 and Wazalendo militias in Kinyumba, approximately 10 kilometers north of Nyabiondo. Sources say AFC/M23 forces have been attempting to reclaim the area recently captured by Wazalendo, heightening fears of further confrontations.
Despite the tension, relative calm was observed along the Nyabiondo–Kashebere and Kaanja–Mahanga axes. However, witnesses noted visible AFC/M23 reinforcement movements on the Kashebere–Kibati route, signaling potential new offensives.
