[Rwanda Forum] M23 Rebels’ Spy Chief Killed in Drone Strike as SADC Starts Military Operations in DRC | ChimpReports
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M23 Rebels' Spy Chief Killed in Drone Strike as SADC Starts Military Operations in DRC
Mberabagabo also served as M23's External Relations Officer
The intelligence chief of the rebel M23 movement has reportedly been killed in a deadly drone attack in Eastern Congo.
Officials disclosed that Colonel Castro Elise Mberabagabo died when the Congolese forces carried out a precision strike on the M23's base in Kitchanga, Masisi territory on Tuesday.
Locals reported hearing massive detonations as Congolese forces bombarded the rebels' stronghold in a surprise attack.
"Mberabagabo also served as M23's External Relations Officer," said a source, adding, "His death is a big loss to the rebel movement because he has been the real heart of the movement."
The deceased, who boasted a British citizenship and was married to a Briton, was also among the top financiers of the rebel movement through gold deals in the region.
Fondly known as Castro, the business-cum-intelligence officer owned properties in Uganda, London and DRC.
ChimpReports recently reported that Congolese forces had procured dozens of lethal combat drones from China to counter the M23 rebel threat.
The drones remain a big challenge to the rebel movement which had in the past decade perfected guerilla tactics to inflict severe blows to the Congolese forces.
President Felix Tshisekedi recently threatened to use superior aerial weapons to attack Kigali without sending in infantry forces.
Observers concluded that Tshisekedi, who accuses Rwanda of helping M23 rebels, was referring to the use of drones.
Moments after the strike in Kitchanga, Congolese forces held a joint press conference with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to announce the commencement of joint military operations against M23 rebels.
"The population of North Kivu must know that this force (SADC) is different from that of the East African Community," said Lt General Fall Sikabwe, the coordinator of military operations in the province of North Kivu.
"SADC comes with an offensive mandate," he added.
The M23 rebels are yet to comment on today's drone attacks.
However, the rebels' spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka said the Congolese forces attacked the civilian population in Karuba and its surroundings.
"It should be noted that last night these coalition forces were defeated and as usual, fled leaving behind weapons, ammunition and military equipment," said Kanyuka without providing evidence to support his claims.
SADC operations
SADC last week confirmed that Tanzania was deploying forces in DRC to fight M23 rebels.
Tanzania's special combat operators and long-range heavy artillery played a pivotal role in the defeat of M23 rebels in 2013.
The heavy bombardment of M23's bases especially in Rumangabo sent M23 rebels into disarray with their commanders such as Sultani Makenga fleeing to Uganda.
Others escaped to Rwanda.
On January 4, SADC announced that SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was deployed on 15 December 2023 to support the Government of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC, which has witnessed an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups.
Over 200 South African soldiers arrived at Goma Airport in North Kivu on December 27, 2023.
Officials say SADC intends to deploy at least 7,000 soldiers in DRC. Their mission is to fight and defeat mainly M23 rebels in a space of 12 months.
Since the resurgence of the M23 armed group in DRC in 2021, thousands have perished and more than 500,000 people have fled the violence.
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