M23 Rebel Group Launches Coordinated Attacks in Eastern DR Congo, 15 Killed ,Thousands Flee

Defense News ,Rwanda :-  In a devastating turn of events on Monday, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group unleashed widespread assaults in the lawless eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), claiming the lives of at least 15 individuals and forcing thousands to flee for safety.

Testimonies from local residents, healthcare professionals, and government officials all pointed to the attacks taking place in the Rutshuru region within the eastern province of North Kivu. Recent days have seen heightened clashes between the predominantly Tutsi M23 rebels and Congolese government forces in the Rutshuru and Masisi regions, severely limiting access to the North Kivu capital, Goma.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, along with the United Nations and Western nations, has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels with the aim of controlling extensive mineral resources. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

Sources revealed that the conflict erupted in multiple areas north of Goma, with the M23 launching an attack on Congolese forces in Kirima around 4 a.m. According to Maisha Faustin, a local official, the rebels successfully cut off a vital supply route for the Congolese army. In the town of Nyanzale, approximately 10 kilometers west of Kirima, at least 15 people, including children, lost their lives in the clashes.

Describing the situation, Ombeni Gasiga, a prominent member of civil society in Nyanzale, stated, “Bombs rained on the residents,” forcing the entire population to flee. A worker at a local health facility shared the harrowing experience of fleeing with the sick to ensure their survival.

Reports indicated that a projectile landed near a building, causing the death of at least 10 individuals, including children, while another 12 people were wounded. Tragically, five of the wounded, including three children, succumbed to their injuries.

On the diplomatic front, the European Union joined the United States and France in condemning Kigali for its alleged support of the M23 rebels. In a statement, the EU called for Rwanda to immediately withdraw all its military personnel from the DR Congo and cease all support and cooperation with the M23.