DRC Drone Strike Kills M23 Spokesperson and Nine Others. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — February 26, 2026 A drone strike near the Rubaya mining site in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on February 24 resulted in the death of at least nine people, including M23 military spokesperson Willy Ngoma, according to sources close to the incident.
The strike missed the M23’s military commander, who was also targeted.
The Congolese armed forces conducted the drone attack on the strategic mining hub of Rubaya, which produces a significant portion of the world’s coltan supply, a crucial rare earth element used in computer technology and smartphones.
The M23/AFC rebel movement had been in control of the mining site since last year when they launched a rapid offensive against the Congolese armed forces, capturing extensive areas in the eastern DRC.
According to information by reports, the drone strike also caused the death of at least nine other people, with the possibility of seven more fatalities.
However, no further bodies have been retrieved from the site as of this report.
The Rubaya mining site has been a focal point of conflict between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, who have exploited the area’s rich mineral resources to fund their activities.
The attack appears to be part of a broader effort by the Congolese armed forces to regain control over the strategic region.
Regional officials have not yet commented on the incident. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
