Congolese Forces Retake Key M23 Bases in Fresh Offensive

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo: Congolese government forces and allied Wazalendo fighters have retaken several villages and positions from the AFC/M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after heavy fighting, according to local reports and pro-government forces.

The Wazalendo, a loose coalition of armed groups fighting alongside the FARDC, said they had regained control of Mutara, Kivoka, Tushungute and Kashovu, as well as the M23 headquarters at Nteko Miko, after intense clashes.

Local reports also said government forces and their allies had retaken Miko and several nearby positions, including Katuunda, Remeka, Miano, Kaleta and Kasake.

The reports could not be independently verified and it was not immediately clear how much territory had changed hands or whether the positions would remain under government control.