Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), has alleged that heavy drone strikes and ground offensives targeted Minembwe and surrounding areas early Friday morning.

In a statement posted on X on February 20, 2026, Kanyuka claimed the operations began in the early hours and resulted in civilian casualties. He described the situation as spreading “death and terror” among residents of Minembwe and nearby communities.

Minembwe is located in South Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region that has experienced years of instability involving armed groups, local militias, and government forces.

Kanyuka characterised the alleged attacks as a violation of international humanitarian law. As of publication, there has been no official response from the Congolese government, and the claims have not been independently verified.

The broader security situation in eastern Congo remains fragile, with frequent reports of clashes and displacement.