Burundi Army Armored Vehicle Reportedly Destroyed: MRDP-Twirwaneho Allegedly Turns It into Scrap
Intense fighting continues to escalate in the highlands of Mulenge, in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the MRDP-Twirwaneho armed group—claiming to defend the Banyamulenge community—has reportedly destroyed a heavily armored vehicle belonging to a coalition of government forces. The clashes are particularly concentrated in several areas of Fizi Territory.
Reports from the region indicate that the armored vehicle was destroyed in the Kwa Mulima area, near Point Zéro, in Fizi Territory.
According to these accounts, the vehicle had been transporting military supplies to troops deployed in active combat zones when it came under attack and was subsequently disabled. Reliable sources cited by Minembwe Capital News allege that the armored vehicle belonged to the Burundi National Defence Force (FDNB), which is operating alongside the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in ongoing military operations in South Kivu.
Over the past several years, Burundian forces have been cooperating with the FARDC in operations targeting the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) coalition and MRDP-Twirwaneho. The pro-government coalition is also reported to include Wazalendo militias, FDLR elements, and foreign mercenaries from various countries, according to multiple sources.
The fighting has intensified again since early June 2026, following renewed government-led military operations aimed at regaining control of areas reportedly held by Twirwaneho and AFC/M23, particularly around Minembwe and surrounding localities.
Field reports further suggest that MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 fighters have managed to push back government-aligned forces from several positions, including Ruhinamavi, Bidegu, Lundu, Kalingi, and Gakenke, following days of sustained clashes. The fighting is said to have significantly altered frontlines in some previously government-held areas.
Additional reports indicate that on Wednesday, FARDC and Burundian forces were also pushed back from Mikenke, Bilalomboli, and Rwitsankuku, while military activity has intensified near Kwa Mulima following the reported withdrawal of government forces and their allies from Point Zéro—a strategically important area controlling key routes and positions in the region.
MRDP-Twirwaneho is reportedly positioning itself for a potential advance toward Point Zéro, with its fighters said to be operating in close proximity to the area, according to Minembwe Capital News sources.
Observers warn that the continued escalation of fighting in Fizi and the Minembwe highlands could have severe humanitarian and security consequences for civilians, particularly as diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in eastern DRC remain ongoing.