Congo Rebels Claim Kisangani Airport Drone Attack, Threaten Military Aircraft at Base

The leader of the AFC/M23 rebel movement has claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting the Kisangani Bangoka International Airport (FKI/FZIC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa issued the claim on Tuesday. He described the operation as a direct warning to the DRC government. The attack targeted a strategic rear base for Congolese military air operations.

Attack Details and Warning

Authorities in Tshopo province, where Kisangani is located, reported the incident. They stated that eight explosive-laden drones targeted the airport over the weekend. Provincial officials confirmed all eight drones were shot down. No casualties or damage to the airport infrastructure were reported.

Kisangani’s airport is located far from the main front lines. It sits hundreds of kilometers from North and South Kivu provinces. This distance makes the strike the furthest west the AFC/M23 has conducted an operation.

Nangaa declared that the “air superiority” of Congo’s armed forces is now broken. He warned that Kisangani’s use as a military platform is now “prohibited”. The rebel leader threatened to target any aircraft used against rebel-held areas “at their source”. Another senior AFC/M23 figure, Bertrand Bisimwa, echoed this threat. He stated that military aircraft operating over “liberated territory” would be destroyed.

Impact on Aviation Operations

Bangoka International Airport (FKI) serves as a vital hub. It is a key operating base for the DRC military. The military reportedly uses Sukhoi jets and combat drones from this location. These aircraft are used in operations against the rebels in the eastern highlands.

Commercially, the airport handles domestic passenger and cargo flights. Ethiopian Airlines is one carrier operating a domestic route to Kinshasa (FIH). The threat of targeting aircraft at their base raises significant aviation security risks.

International aviation bodies like the ICAO set global security standards. Increased rebel capability to strike deep behind front lines challenges these standards. This is especially true for airports used for both military and civilian purposes. The incident highlights the growing threat of weaponized drones to civilian infrastructure.

Conflict Context

This escalation follows recent progress in peace efforts. Congo’s government and AFC/M23 recently met in Doha. Qatari mediation led to an agreement on a UN ceasefire monitoring team. Nangaa’s statement also accused the Congolese army of new attacks. He claimed the army used Sukhoi jets combat drones against civilians in South Kivu.

The government and army spokespersons did not immediately comment. The situation underscores the fragility of the ongoing peace process. It also marks a new, concerning phase in the Eastern Congo conflict.

• The threat to target aircraft “at their source” directly impacts FKI airport operations and security.
• This is the furthest west the AFC/M23 drone attack has occurred, marking a major escalation.
• The incident challenges the perceived Congolese military air superiority over rebel-held areas.
• The airport is a critical rear base for military aircraft, including Sukhoi jets combat drones.

From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights.

For airline finances, mergers, and industry strategy, visit the Business category at flying.flights/business.