Security forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) successfully intercepted a coordinated drone attack on Bangboka International Airport in Kisangani on March 1, 2026, thwarting the second assault on the critical transport hub this year. Provincial authorities in Tshopo confirmed four kamikaze drones were neutralized mid-air, while a fifth landed without detonating near an active runway.
The armed group M23, engaged in a protracted conflict with Congolese forces, claimed responsibility for the strike. Officials reported the drones were launched in multiple waves during peak airport activity, with one targeting a civilian aircraft operated by Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation as it prepared to land. No casualties or infrastructure damage were reported.
In a statement, M23 described the attack as a preemptive measure against alleged government plans to deploy drones against its positions. The group warned of further escalation if military operations continue. Bangboka Airport serves dual civilian-military functions and has been pivotal in the DRC's counterinsurgency efforts, including launching air strikes against M23 strongholds.
This incident follows a similar attack in late January 2026, when M23 claimed to have destroyed a military drone command center at the same facility. Analysts note the repeated targeting underscores the airport's strategic value in the ongoing conflict.
