M23 Announces Downing of Another FARDC War Drone

The Inspirer.

The M23 rebel group has announced that it has shot down another unmanned aerial vehicle operated by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) for military operations.

According to Lawrence Kanyuka, a political spokesperson for the rebel faction, the downed drone belongs to the CH-4 model series.

Kanyuka stated, “M23 wants everyone to know that it has shot down another CH-4 drone used by MONUSCO.”

On February 24, 2024, Kanyuka disclosed that M23 had downed a drone belonging to the DRC military, adding, “M23 has downed one of Tshisekedi’s three drones. These include FARDC, FDLR, mercenaries, Wazalendo, Burundi army, and SADC troops, who continue to be defeated on the battlefield.”

There has been no official confirmation from the FARDC regarding the claimed drones brought down by M23.

In 2023, the DRC government acquired three CH-4 drones in Bushinwa to use in the conflict zone, where M23 remained a persistent threat. These drones were stationed at Goma airport.

According to the Africa Intelligence magazine in May 2023, the DRC government requested the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation to provide additional aircraft. If these additional aircraft arrive in Kinshasa, the country’s military would possess a significant advantage over rebel groups like M23.

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