A coalition of forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the FARDC, FDLR, and Wazalendo, launched an attack today on Banyamulenge villages in Minembwe. However, they suffered a significant setback, losing military equipment and more than 10 soldiers.
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The attack took place early in the morning on Thursday, February 13, 2025, targeting Banyamulenge homes in villages such as Lundu and Gakenke, located in Minembwe Commune, in the highlands of Itombwe, South Kivu.
Following the attack, the Banyamulenge self-defense group, Twirwaneho, retaliated fiercely. According to reports, Twirwaneho successfully repelled the coalition forces, which had advanced from Minembwe Centre, where the 21st Brigade’s headquarters are located.
Kivupride.com has learned that Twirwaneho captured a significant amount of weaponry and ammunition from the attackers, including Mag guns, RPGs, sixty-millimeter mortars, and various other firearms and ammunition. Additionally, they reportedly seized military supplies such as backpacks.
Reports indicate that 15 soldiers from the government forces lost their lives in the battle.
A witness from the Twirwaneho side confirmed that the fighting between the two sides ended around 11:00 AM, after beginning at approximately 8:45 AM local time in Minembwe and Bukavu.
The witness further stated: “By 11:10 AM, gunfire had ceased entirely. FARDC has begun recovering the bodies of their fallen soldiers.”
They added: “FARDC is currently carrying their casualties and heading toward Madegu, in Minembwe Centre.” It is worth noting that this attack on Gakenke and Lundu follows another recent offensive by the same coalition in Kalingi, where several FARDC soldiers were also killed, including a major and a captain.
