The M23 Movement rebels have said they have neutralized combat drones that were allegedly preparing to attack civilian areas and their positions, according to group spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
Kanyuka said on Monday that the targeted operation was carried out on the outskirts of Kisangani. He described the move as a defensive operation aimed at preventing potential attacks on civilians.
He further accused coalition forces based in Kinshasa of conducting indiscriminate bombardments in densely populated areas using combat drones.
He added that the group’s forces remain committed to what it called protecting civilians in territories under its control.
Kanyuka stated that military operations to counter what he described as security threats would continue as long as attacks on civilians persist.
He also paid tribute to civilians and fighters reported killed during the conflict, including the group’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Willy Ngoma, saying their deaths would not be forgotten.
He placed responsibility for the violence on the Kinshasa-based coalition forces, which it accused of carrying out attacks in contested areas of the eastern part of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He reaffirmed solidarity with civilian populations and its commitment to defending communities from security threats as the conflict continues.
