US EditionDrone attack targets strategic northeast Congo city, authorities say, blaming M23
Eight kamikaze drones targeted a strategic airport used by Congo's military, with all neutralized and no casualties reported, marking M23's furthest west attack if confirmed.
- On Monday the Tshopo provincial government said eight explosive-laden drones targeted Bangoka International Airport over the weekend and were neutralised, blaming the AFC/M23 rebel movement and Rwanda with no casualties reported.
- Facing accusations of coordinated attacks, the AFC/M23 rebel movement said the action aims to halt ongoing attacks and warned of an imminent genocide risk to the Banyamulenge community, adding `These forces are acting in a coordinated manner`.
- Kisangani, a city of more than 1.5 million, relies on Bangoka airport, where security and diplomatic sources confirmed a drone attack near the airport, with some drones appearing short-range, and eight were neutralised.
- Following the strikes, the provincial government said the situation is under control and residents could go home, after security forces were reinforced on Monday, according to AFP witnesses.
- Coming after the Feb 2 Doha mandate, diplomats said the incident involves AFC/M23, which has seized key cities since last year, and highlights ongoing regional tensions.
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In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Tshopo provincial government accused in a Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 statement of attacking Bangoka International Airport, 17 km from Kisangani city centre. According to local authorities, the suicide drone attacks took place between Saturday, 31 January, from 5 a.m. to Sunday, 1 February, at 2 a.m. Local authorities call for calm.
Central Africa: South Kivu - AFC/M23 Warns of 'Imminent Genocide' Against Banyamulenge Civilians
The AFC/M23 has warned that Banyamulenge civilians in eastern DR Congo face "an imminent risk of genocide", citing a pattern of coordinated attacks, humanitarian blockades, and communications blackouts in the Hauts Plateaux region.
Eight explosive‑laden drones targeted the airport serving the northeastern Congolese city of Kisangani over the weekend, local authorities said, blaming the AFC/M23 rebel group and neighbouring Rwanda.
According to the government of Tshopo province, eight drones were located and neutralized. The attack was not claimed at this stage, but the local authorities accuse M23 and Kigali of being at the origin.
Kisangani airport, DRC, was targeted this weekend by suicide bomber drones. ...
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