GOMA: In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a conflict that drags on despite peace talks has taken a dangerous new turn, with civilians now struck from the air by drones, far from the front line.
The region has been plagued by violence for more than 30 years but fighting intensified in early 2025 when Rwanda-backed M23 fighters seized the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, overwhelming Congolese forces.
Last week, a drone attack wounded at least 25 civilians in Mushaki, a farming area about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Goma, now under M23 control, according to humanitarian sources.
The injured, who included a two-year-old girl, were taken to Ndosho hospital in the city, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Witnesses told AFP the strike hit a market. Many said they were going about their daily lives, far from any battlefield before the blast.
