Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo intercepted four drones launched by the M23 rebel group towards Kisangani Bangoka International Airport in Tshopo Province, officials said Monday. The attacks, which occurred Sunday afternoon, were all foiled before causing major damage, though one drone crashed near a civilian aircraft preparing to land.
Provincial Minister Claudine Atisadi condemned the “cowardly and terrorist attacks” while authorities continued to monitor the tense situation. The incident comes after the Congolese army killed Willy Ngoma, M23’s military spokesperson, in a drone strike on February 24.
Kisangani Bangoka Airport, located 17 km from Kisangani, is a strategic site that reportedly houses the headquarters of the government’s General Staff of the Third Defence Zone. Last month, the airport was also targeted by the Congo River Alliance, a rebel coalition that includes M23.
Despite a ceasefire proposed by Angola on February 18, fighting has intensified in the Masisi Territory of North Kivu, displacing thousands. Both the DR Congo government and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, an allegation Kigali denies.
Source: TRT Africa
