In Mugunga, located in the Karisimbi commune west of Goma, armed exchanges erupted late Sunday night into Monday morning, featuring intense gunfire from heavy and light weapons. Local residents reported that the firing lasted from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., resulting in the deaths of between 5 and 13 armed aggressors involved in the incursion, alongside 3 to 5 arrests of individuals linked to the assault, according to local sources, including the AFC/M23 faction.

The identity and affiliations of the armed men remain ambiguous, as some were dressed in military fatigues while others wore civilian clothing, yet all carried weapons. Questions linger regarding their origin and purpose for being in Mugunga. As per sources, these assailants are believed to have come from the Virunga National Park, a region notorious for armed group activities and tensions.

According to the AFC/M23, the incursion was potentially linked to looting operations, highlighting the complex interplay of criminal activities and armed conflict in the area. This incident underscores the persistent instability affecting the eastern DRC, where violence involving various armed factions continues to threaten local communities and disrupt daily life.