The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) say they are preparing a response after accusing RDF/AFC-M23 forces of carrying out heavy bombardments in the Minembwe Highlands of South Kivu province, attacks that reportedly caused several civilian casualties.

According to an official army statement released Tuesday and reported by Beto.cd, the shelling targeted several localities in the Fizi territory, including Kalonge 2 and the “Point Zero” sector.

FARDC deputy spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Mongba Hazukay said the attacks directly struck populated areas in the highlands, with a provisional toll indicating that most victims were civilians. The army added that debris collected from the scene suggested the bombardment was aimed at both military positions and civilian homes.

The reported attack comes as eastern Congo remains under pressure from renewed clashes involving the AFC/M23 coalition, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting allegations Kigali continues to deny. Regional tensions have intensified despite diplomatic initiatives linked to the Doha peace process and recent Washington-backed discussions aimed at reducing hostilities.

The Minembwe Highlands have long been a strategic and contested zone in South Kivu because of their location near several armed group corridors and community tensions.

Rights groups and international observers have repeatedly warned that escalating violence in eastern Congo is worsening civilian displacement and humanitarian risks, particularly in conflict-hit areas across North and South Kivu, according to recent reporting by AP News.

In its statement, the Congolese army said it would not cede territory and vowed to continue operations against armed groups operating in the region.

“The army remains fully committed to its mission of protecting territorial integrity. All necessary measures are being taken to respond and confront the threat,” the FARDC stated.