M23 stage a drone attack on DR Congo airport

Security forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have repelled a drone attack on Bangboka International Airport in Kisangani, marking the second assault on the strategic facility in a month. Regional authorities in Tshopo Province said four "kamikaze drones" launched on Sunday were intercepted and shot down before causing damage.

A fifth drone harmlessly landed near a runway.

The armed group M23 later acknowledged responsibility for the strike. 

Provincial officials said the drones were deployed in four waves beginning mid-afternoon, with the final device targeting the airport as a civilian aircraft operated by Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation was preparing to land.

In a statement, M23 described the operation as "targeted," claiming it aimed to neutralize drones allegedly set to be launched against its positions and civilians. The group warned of further action if government offensives continue.

Bangboka airport serves both civilian and military purposes and is used by the Congolese army to launch drones and fighter jets in operations against M23. 

The facility was also attacked between January 31 and February 1, in a strike claimed by the group, which said it had destroyed a military drone command center.