Drone attack targets DRC's strategic Kisangani airport

Incident Overview: Drone Attack on Bangboka International Airport

Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reported the prevention of a drone attack targeting Bangboka International Airport in Kisangani. This incident marks the second such occurrence within one month.

The provincial authorities in Tshopo stated that the attack transpired on Sunday, attributing it to the anti-government M23 armed group, which reportedly receives support from Rwanda. Officials confirmed that four "kamikaze drones loaded with submunitions" were launched towards the airport but were successfully intercepted and neutralized. No casualties were recorded.

Bangboka airport is utilized for both civilian and military purposes. The Congolese army employs the runway for deploying attack drones and fighter jets against M23 fighters and Rwandan military positions in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Authorities reported that the drone strikes occurred at four separate intervals starting mid-afternoon. The final attempt coincided with the landing preparations of a civilian aircraft operated by Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation.

The M23 group resurfaced in late 2021 and has since seized significant portions of the mineral-rich eastern Congo. The same airport had previously been targeted between Jan 31 and Feb 1, in an attack claimed by the M23, which alleged the destruction of a military drone command center.

Both conflicting parties have frequently accused each other of conducting drone strikes in populated areas. Recently, the M23 claimed that a drone strike by the Congolese army resulted in the death of its military spokesperson.

Based on reporting by Africanews.