Rocket event in Congo, the Democratic Republic of the on Thu 15th August 2024

Two people died and two others were injured in an attack on a truck carrying fuel. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 14 in Katwiguru, 20 kilometers northeast of the city of Kiwanja, in the territory of Rutshuru (North Kivu). This attack occurred a few hours after another clash between the Wazalendo and the M23 in Mirambi, about 5 kilometers from the scene of the incident with the tanker truck. This clash also reportedly caused casualties on both sides. According to concordant sources in Nyamilima and Kiwanja, the truck came from Ishasha on the border between the DRC and Uganda, where it had gone to stock up on fuel for Kiwanja. It was transporting plastic tanks of fuel when it was attacked by armed men in Katwiguru in the early hours of Wednesday. These armed men reportedly launched a rocket at the vehicle, instantly killing the driver and other passengers on board. Some sources speak of two deaths while others confirm the death of five people. The vehicle, belonging to a trader from Kiwanja, was completely burned. It is difficult at the moment to identify the attackers, as the area is currently under occupation by several armed groups: FDLR, Maï-Maï, Wazalendo and M23 who regularly clash.