FARDC Launches Airstrikes on AFC/M23 Positions at Malemo and Luola

In the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept 8, the FARDC conducted aerial bombardments against AFC/M23 positions at Malemo, in Masisi's Bashali Mokoto grouping, and at Luola, in Walikale's Kisimba grouping, after local sources reported an AFC/M23 troop buildup along the strategic Masisi-Walikale corridor. Reinforcement movements were also observed at Ihula (Balindu locality, Kisimba grouping), and analysts said the rebels appeared to be positioning for a further push toward Pinga via the Malemo-Mindjendje and Luola-Mpety axes. No reliable casualty or damage assessment of the strikes was available, and AFC/M23 maintained its positions afterward. Civilians continued moving toward safer zones amid a particularly tense situation.