Forces allied with Kinshasa launched heavy artillery attacks on densely populated areas of Kalehe territory in South Kivu early Tuesday, August 11, killing and wounding civilians, according to AFC-M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
The bombardment began at around 5:00 a.m., hitting Chambombo, Cyangugu, Kaziba/Rumbishi, Kwisimbi and Gafufura.
Kanyuka said the attacks destroyed property and triggered a new wave of displacement as residents fled affected areas.
The AFC-M23 called on the Congolese population and the international community to take note of the attacks and their impact on civilians.
The number of people killed or wounded and the extent of the destruction could not immediately be independently verified. Congolese authorities had not immediately issued a public account of the reported attacks.