South Kivu: Two FARDC helicopters shot down
The armed group MRDP-Twirwaneho has claimed responsibility for shooting down two military helicopters belonging to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in the town of Baraka, located in Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province.
The claim was made by a senior MRDP-Twirwaneho officer identified as PC Mavugo, who said the helicopters were targeted as they were returning from military operations in Minembwe, a strategic highland commune connecting the territories of Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga.
"MRDP-Twirwaneho celebrated Independence Day after shooting down two FARDC helicopters in Baraka that were returning from Minembwe," PC Mavugo said.
The group's statement came after reports of a powerful explosion near Baraka Airfield. Local sources initially suggested that the incident may have been caused by a drone strike.
According to the same sources, the drone reportedly also targeted a Burundian military installation in Baraka. Burundian forces have been deployed alongside FARDC in ongoing military operations against MRDP-Twirwaneho and the AFC/M23 coalition in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In recent weeks, FARDC has been conducting joint operations with Burundian troops, the FDLR armed group, Wazalendo militias, the P5 coalition, and foreign mercenaries in an effort to regain control of Minembwe.
The coalition launched a major offensive in mid-June 2026 aimed at capturing Minembwe. However, MRDP-Twirwaneho claims the assault was repelled with support from AFC/M23 forces.
Both MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 have previously stated that they will continue what they describe as defensive military operations as long as attacks against their positions persist. The groups also say their objective is to protect civilians affected by the fighting.
