WAR IN EASTERN DRC
FARDC Moves to Retake Minembwe Airfield After capturing 4 Localities
FARDC says it retook four localities near Minembwe and is now pushing toward the airfield as clashes continue.
June 17, 2026 at 6:02:15 PM
June 17, 2026 at 6:11:03 PM
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Control of Minembwe influences military access routes across South Kivu's strategic highlands and remains central to the wider conflict in eastern DRC.
The Congolese army says it is pushing to regain control of the Minembwe Centre airfield after FARDC forces retook four localities near Minembwe following heavy fighting with M23-RDF rebels and allied forces in South Kivu.
According to the army spokesman in southern South Kivu, Lieutenant Mbuyi Kalonji Reagan, FARDC regained control of Kitavi village, Irundu, and Ugeafi positions in the Madegu area after clashes on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 according to local reports.
The army also accused rebel forces of bombing Minembwe General Hospital and civilian homes early Wednesday, June 17. No independent casualty toll was immediately provided in the initial report.
The latest advance follows earlier FARDC claims of gains around Minembwe, including the recapture of Mikenge after fighting with M23-RDF forces. Security monitoring by Critical Threats has also reported continued clashes between pro-Congolese government forces and M23-aligned fighters in the South Kivu highlands.
Colonel Apoko Bangala, cited by the army spokesman, said operations would continue as FARDC seeks to restore state authority around Minembwe. Fighting was still reported near the airfield at the time of the latest update.
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