Ilundu Hit by Drone Bombardments: Homes Burned, Civilians Injured as Residents Flee
During the night of Friday, Satarday and Sunday, May 24, 2026, the Ilundu area located in Minembwe, South Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was once again struck by heavy drone attacks.
Reports circulating in the region indicate that the attacks were allegedly carried out by the coalition of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), alongside the Burundian army (FDNB), Wazalendo armed groups, and the FDLR militia, as part of ongoing military operations in the hills of Minembwe and its surrounding areas.
Sources from the area say residents were caught off guard by the sound of powerful explosions caused by drone-fired bombs, triggering widespread panic and internal displacement. Several families reportedly began fleeing their homes in search of safer locations.
Among those injured in the attacks are Nyanduhura Chantal and Muhorana Misugi, who were immediately transferred to Minembwe General Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained after explosions detonated near their homes.
In addition to the civilian casualties, the attacks also caused significant destruction to property. Preliminary reports indicate that two houses were completely burned down after being struck by explosives, while several cattle belonging to local residents were killed, dealing a heavy economic blow to communities that largely depend on livestock farming.
Security analysts say the renewed use of drones in these military operations demonstrates the escalating intensity of the conflict in Minembwe, particularly as the FARDC-led coalition and its allies continue efforts to assert control over areas considered strongholds of armed groups opposed to the Kinshasa government.
In recent days, military operations have intensified across Minembwe, Rugezi, Bidegu, Mikenke, and Ilundu, as well as in the surrounding highlands. Residents continue to express growing concern that the conflict could further escalate and place civilian lives at even greater risk.
So far, military authorities in South Kivu have not issued an official statement regarding the attacks or the exact number of casualties linked to the incident. However, information from local residents and witnesses near the scene indicates that fear and tension remain high throughout the area.
Residents of Minembwe continue to call for urgent protection and humanitarian assistance for families affected by the fighting, while human rights organizations are urging all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians during armed confrontations.
