February Sees Record Surge in Airstrikes Against M23 Positions

Kinshasa, March 11, 2026 - The FARDC has intensified airstrikes and drone operations against M23 positions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with February recording the highest number of air and drone strikes ever documented, according to ACLED.

On February 24, a drone strike killed Willy Ngoma, M23’s military spokesperson, along with several senior leaders near Rubaya, a strategic coltan mining hub producing around 15% of global supply and generating roughly $800,000 per month for the rebels.

The FARDC has deployed CH-4 and TAI Anka drones, fighter jets, and attack helicopters, alongside Wazalendo militia ground offensives in Mwenga, Masisi, and Fizi. Private military actors, including Vectus, associated with Erik Prince, also support operations linked to mining revenue control.

Despite the air campaign, M23 launched counter-offensives in late February, forcing temporary withdrawals of FARDC units. The rebels also conducted suicide drone attacks on the Kisangani military command center, a hub for FARDC air operations.