The AFC-M23 rebel group has claimed that attacks by forces aligned with the Kinshasa government killed civilians and forced residents to flee their homes as fighting intensified in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on August 29.
In a statement posted on X, AFC-M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said forces of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), the FDLR, Wazalendo fighters, foreign mercenaries and the Burundi National Defence Force (FDNB) stepped up attacks on several positions held by the rebel group.
Kanyuka said the attacks began at around 3:25 a.m. in Biziba and surrounding areas of Minembwe, South Kivu, where he alleged that heavy weapons were used.
He also claimed that drone strikes continued around Point Zéro and nearby areas.
At about 4:30 a.m., according to AFC-M23, forces aligned with Kinshasa launched coordinated attacks on Kananu, a densely populated area in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu.
The group also reported attacks in Ntekomiko, in Masisi Territory, North Kivu.
AFC-M23 said the attacks resulted in civilian deaths and displacement but did not give figures for the number of people killed or forced from their homes.
The rebel group accused the Kinshasa government of expanding military operations in eastern DRC and said the latest attacks demonstrated an intention to further escalate the conflict.
It said it was therefore “compelled to take action” to protect civilians and their lives.
The allegations made by AFC-M23 could not be independently verified, and the statement did not provide evidence supporting the claims of civilian casualties or displacement.
