FARDC Drone Strikes Destroy AFC/M23 Rebel Position

Buleusa, Walikale, DRC January 23, 2026 - A rebel position of the AFC/M23 was destroyed by airstrikes conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) on Friday, January 23, in Buleusa, located in the Ikobo region of Walikale territory, North Kivu. The operation reportedly took place around 1:00 p.m., when an FARDC drone targeted the rebel camp, a strategic site in the area. Local sources reported that the position was completely destroyed, with flames and thick smoke visible from afar, causing panic among the population. Witnesses said the rebels fled after the bombing, seeking refuge in nearby parts of the town. “We saw flames and thick smoke rising from the camp. The rebels ran immediately,” one resident said. Military sources confirmed that the strike is part of ongoing operations in Walikale, where the AFC/M23 has been attempting to consolidate its positions in recent weeks. The FARDC has increasingly deployed drones to locate and neutralize rebel bases, a strategy that appears to be yielding results on the ground. Despite this success, the security situation remains fragile, with residents of Buleusa and surrounding villages fearing reprisals or renewed clashes. No official figures on rebel casualties have been released, but the strike reportedly inflicted significant material losses and dealt a major blow to the operational capacity of the AFC/M23 in the area.

Faits rapportés

Buleusa, Walikale, DRC January 23, 2026 - A rebel position of the AFC/M23 was destroyed by airstrikes conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) on Friday, January 23, in Buleusa, located in the Ikobo region of Walikale territory, North Kivu. The operation reportedly took place around 1:00 p.m., when an FARDC drone targeted the rebel camp, a strategic site in the area. Local sources reported that the position was completely destroyed, with flames and thick smoke visible from afar, causing panic among the population. Witnesses said the rebels fled after the bombing, seeking refuge in nearby parts of the town. “We saw flames and thick smoke rising from the camp. The rebels ran immediately,” one resident said. Military sources confirmed that the strike is part of ongoing operations in Walikale, where the AFC/M23 has been attempting to consolidate its positions in recent weeks. The FARDC has increasingly deployed drones to locate and neutralize rebel bases, a strategy that appears to be yielding results on the ground. Despite this success, the security situation remains fragile, with residents of Buleusa and surrounding villages fearing reprisals or renewed clashes. No official figures on rebel casualties have been released, but the strike reportedly inflicted significant material losses and dealt a major blow to the operational capacity of the AFC/M23 in the area.