Minembwe:Civilian Aircraft Carrying Food and Medicine Reportedly Shot Down

A civilian aircraft reportedly carrying food, medicine and a small number of passengers from Bukavu to Minembwe was shot down on Thursday, August 27, 2026, amid renewed fighting in the area, according to Twirwaneho officials.

Col. Rugabo Fidèle, spokesperson for Twirwaneho forces in Minembwe, said the aircraft was struck by a ground-launched missile while flying near Bikuba. He said the aircraft subsequently crashed and was destroyed by fire.

“The aircraft was shot while it was still in the air. It immediately fell to the ground, caught fire and was completely destroyed,” Rugabo said.

Rugabo said the aircraft was transporting supplies, including food and medicine, and may also have been carrying a small number of civilians. He said details about the passengers and possible casualties were not immediately available.

The reported incident occurred as fighting intensified around Minembwe between government-aligned forces and fighters affiliated with AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho.

According to Rugabo, government-aligned forces had advanced from the Mulima area and launched attacks toward Point-Zéro, Nyaruhinga and Mukoko in an attempt to retake positions held by AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho.

Twirwaneho said its forces responded to the attacks and were attempting to prevent government-aligned forces from advancing further.

The group also accused government-aligned forces of conducting attacks in areas with significant civilian populations, warning that the fighting could put residents at increased risk.

The aircraft incident was reported only hours after representatives of the MCVE+ ceasefire-monitoring mechanism left Minembwe following a visit intended to assess compliance with the ceasefire.