Baraka, a strategic town in South Kivu’s Fizi Territory, witnessed a dramatic escalation of violence on June 30, 2026, as reports emerged of a deadly drone strike on Burundian troops and the downing of two military helicopters linked to the Congolese army.
Residents described scenes of panic after a powerful explosion shook the Mushimbakye area of Baraka, where Burundian soldiers deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are stationed. The troops have been operating alongside the Congolese army, FARDC, in ongoing military operations against AFC/M23 and MRDP-Twirwaneho forces.
According to local sources, a military drone targeted the Burundian camp, dropping two bombs that exploded within the area. Community leaders reported that at least one Burundian soldier was killed in the attack, while other casualties were feared although no official figures were immediately released.
The situation intensified further when reports surfaced that two military helicopters arriving from the Minembwe area were shot down in Baraka. Congolese journalist Steve Wembi was among the first to report the incident, which followed unusual military activity around Baraka’s airfield.
MRDP-Twirwaneho later claimed responsibility for the destruction of the helicopters. The movement stated that the aircraft had been involved in operations targeting its positions and surrounding areas in Minembwe.
A senior MRDP-Twirwaneho official, PC Mavugo, confirmed the claim, declaring: “The MRDP Twirwaneho celebrated independence after shooting down two FARDC helicopters in Baraka, which were coming from Minembwe.”
The group said the helicopters had just returned from military missions in Minembwe, a strategically important highland region located at the junction of Fizi, Uvira and Mwenga territories. The area has remained one of the most contested battlefields in eastern Congo.
Over recent weeks, military operations around Minembwe have intensified considerably. FARDC forces, supported by Burundian troops, Wazalendo fighters, FDLR elements, P5 combatants and foreign mercenaries, have launched repeated offensives against MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 positions.
In mid-June 2026, a major attempt was reportedly made to seize control of Minembwe. However, according to sources from the area, the offensive was repelled by MRDP-Twirwaneho fighters supported by AFC/M23 forces.
The prolonged conflict has had severe consequences for civilians. Thousands of residents have faced displacement, insecurity and disruptions to their daily lives as fighting continues across South Kivu.
MRDP-Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 maintain that their military actions are aimed at self-defense and the protection of civilians living in areas under threat. The two movements have repeatedly stated that they will continue resisting military offensives as long as attacks against local populations persist.
Meanwhile, FARDC and its allies insist that their operations are intended to restore state authority and re-establish government control throughout the region.
The events that unfolded in Baraka on Congo’s Independence Day highlight the increasingly volatile security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The death of a Burundian soldier, the reported drone strike and the claimed downing of two FARDC helicopters underscore the intensity of the conflict and the growing risks faced by both military personnel and civilians caught in the middle of the fighting.
