The AFC/M23 coalition, which is fighting against the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has shot down three unmanned combat aircraft (drones) belonging to the opposing side. The drones were reportedly targeting civilian populated areas, including communities where Banyamulenge people live.
According to reports, the drones shot down on Monday, February 16, 2026, were Kamikaze-type drones, known for being used in combat operations.
The drones were brought down in the Point-Zero area in Fizi Territory, South Kivu Province, where FARDC and its allies have recently been carrying our attacks that have killed innocent Congolese civilians.
The downing of the drones occurred after FARDC deployed them following earlier ground attacks launched by its fighters against the Twirwaneho group, which aims to defend the Banyamulenge community and is currently collaborating with AFC/M23.
After FARDC forces were pushed back by AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho fighters, they reportedly launched the drone attacks.
In a statement released Monday night, Lawrence Kanyuka, the political spokesperson of AFC/M23, said that “The Kinshasa regime launched coordinated and aggressive attacks against the civilian populations of Minembwe (Hauts Plateaux), Katoyi (Masisi), and Mulememunene (Kabare).
He added that the AFC/M23 coalition wishes to inform Congolese citizens and the international community that “the Kinshasa regime persists in a blatant and deliberate violations of the ceasefire, once again demonstrating its contempt for the commitments made and for peace.”
Kanyuka also stated that beyond causing civilian casualties, these actions constitute provocation that cannot be tolerated and undermine ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis through peaceful means.
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