The Congolese government forces (FARDC) and their allied coalitions carried out the highest number of air and drone strikes in eastern DR Congo in February despite ceasefire efforts, according to newly released conflict data.

ALSO READ: Kanyuka: Kinshasa's drone strikes continue in violation of ceasefire

The data is part of a report released on March 9 by the US-based independent conflict monitoring and data analysis organisation Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).

ACLED says the Congolese military has increasingly relied on aerial warfare to support ground incursions carried out alongside allied Wazalendo militias into AFC/M23-held positions in Mwenga Territory, Masisi Territory, and Fizi Territory last month.

"It deployed an arsenal of Chinese CH-4 and Turkish TAI Anka drones, along with fighter jets and attack helicopters, during the operations,” ACLED noted.

The equipment has significantly contributed to escalating tensions in eastern DR Congo, with repeated attacks on AFC/M23 positions and densely populated areas of North and South Kivu.

ALSO READ: AFC/M23 vows to defend civilians against ‘Kinshasa’s terror’

The report also recalled that the attacks claimed the life of the AFC/M23 military spokesperson Willy Ngoma, who was executed on February 24 near Rubaya in Masisi territory.

ACLED further notes that in response to the aerial campaign, the AFC/M23 movement also carried out drone attacks targeting FARDC’s command center in Kisangani, which serves as the army’s primary base for aerial operations.

ALSO READ: Congolese lawyer questions mediators’ silence amid attacks against Banyamulenge

The data further indicates that the Congolese military relied on several private military companies (mercenaries) to support these operations.

Among them is Vectus Global, reportedly present in DR Congo to support the taxation of mining revenues under the leadership of Erik Prince, the former head of the private military company Blackwater.

Meanwhile, FARDC attacks extended to Goma on the night of March 11. According to AFC/M23 officials, the attack targeted senior leaders of the movement and former Congolese president Joseph Kabila, but missed the intended targets.

The officials said the strike instead claimed the lives of civilians, including a French national working for UNICEF, identified as Karine Buisset.