FARDC Airstrikes Hit AFC/M23 Strongholds Mpety and Mindjendje in Walikale

Walikale, North Kivu - January 25, 2026 - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have intensified military pressure on the AFC/M23 rebels in Walikale territory, launching targeted airstrikes on what are described as their main strongholds. Late on Saturday evening, January 24, an FARDC attack drone bombed rebel positions in Mpety and Mindjendje, located in the Banakindi area of the Kisimba group. These two sites are considered the principal logistics and operational bases of the rebels around the strategic town of Pinga. According to local sources, the drone flew over the Banakindi airspace at around 6:00 p.m. local time before dropping several bombs on the targeted positions. Mpety, situated just 18 kilometers from Pinga, reportedly housed a major logistical hub for the AFC/M23. The information was confirmed by Lavie Changwi, administrative secretary of the Kisimba group, who said the explosions triggered widespread panic among residents. “The population was caught off guard by the loud detonations. People stayed indoors, fearing reprisals or an escalation of the fighting,” he said. While the official human and material toll remains unknown, multiple sources in the area report the destruction of several rebel positions, with significant loss of life and heavy material damage. Local leaders say Mpety and Mindjendje served as regrouping and supply centers for the rebels, who had recently received reinforcements from Kitshanga, Mwesso, and Kalembe in Masisi territory. These reinforcements were reportedly intended to prepare a large-scale offensive against Pinga, a key strategic stronghold in this part of North Kivu. The latest airstrikes come just 24 hours after the bombing of Buleusa, in the Ikobo area, where another AFC/M23 position was reportedly completely destroyed. Through these successive air operations, the FARDC appears determined to degrade the rebels’ operational capacity and prevent any advance toward other strategic locations in Walikale territory.