FARDC Conducts Airstrike on AFC/M23 Position in Nyabiondo

MASISI, North Kivu February 27, 2026 - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) carried out an airstrike Thursday evening, February 26, targeting an AFC/M23 rebel position in Nyabiondo, Masisi territory. Local sources reported that the strike occurred around 6:00 p.m. in the Isiro neighborhood, with a drone dropping bombs on the rebel camp. The resulting explosion was heard across surrounding areas, causing panic among residents. Civilians reportedly rushed into their homes immediately afterward, leaving the streets empty. No official casualty figures have been released, but witnesses noted the presence of military personnel and equipment at the targeted position, suggesting potentially significant losses for the rebels. This strike is part of intensified military operations by the FARDC in Masisi, aimed at weakening the operational capacity of the AFC/M23, which maintains active positions across several parts of North Kivu. By the end of 2025, at least three other rebel positions in Nyabiondo had already been destroyed by airstrikes, reflecting the army's increasing use of aerial firepower in this strategic area. The security situation in Masisi remains tense, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of repeated clashes between government forces and the AFC/M23 rebels.