Drone Strikes in Kinsangani, Western Congo
Authorities say the attack was carried out by M23, its deepest strike yet into the west.
M23 rebels attack a military airport hundreds of kilometers from the fighting
On 1-2 February, eight explosive drones targeted Bangoka International Airport in Kisangani, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Congolese forces shot down all eight. If this attack were an M23 operation, which authorities claim it is, it’s M23’s deepest strike yet into the west.
Since M23 captured Goma in January, Kisangani has become Congo’s main base for military jets and drones used against the rebels. Attacking this far west shows that M23 can reach beyond its eastern stronghold and hit the government’s military supply lines.
This attack stands out for three reasons. First, reaching Kisangani from M23-held territory means the rebels either have drones capable of long-range strikes or hidden staging areas closer to the target. Second, instead of random attacks, M23 is deliberately hitting specific military infrastructure that supports operations against them. And third, eastern Congo holds massive deposits of cobalt and coltan, minerals, making control of this region about much more than territory. The conflict has already displaced over 7 million people.
Drone Warfare in DRC
M23 accused Congolese forces of launching 31 drone strikes between January 29 and February 1, claiming they hit civilian areas, including homes, churches, and schools.
Earlier in January, a Congolese drone strike in Masisi killed at least 22 people, according to M23. The government said M23 staged a propaganda funeral for the victims, while researchers questioned whether all the dead were civilians. Both sides blame each other for hitting civilian targets.
Congo and UN experts say Rwanda backs M23 with weapons and support. A 2024 UN report documented Rwanda using missiles to help M23, including one fired at a UN drone. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels, but the sophistication of attacks such as the Kisangani strike suggests that M23 has access to advanced technology beyond what most rebel groups possess.
Negotiations are ongoing in Doha, but fighting continues, and the UN announced it will soon deploy a peacekeeping mission to Uvira, DR Congo, to monitor the regional ceasefire.
The drone war in Congo is no longer contained to the east, and the attack in Kisangani shows the M23 has the capabilities to expand west.
Thanks for reading Dronefare. Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in drone warfare.