At least nine civilians have been killed and several others injured after a mortar shell struck a densely populated section of Rumbishi Market in Ziralo, South Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Civilians take off after the strikeThe incident occurred in an area where the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) has established control. M23/AFC president Bertrand Bisimwa also condemned the bombardment, accusing forces aligned with the Kinshasa government of killing women and children. Meya said the shells struck densely populated areas, killing civilians, including a woman, and seriously injuring several others. In early 2025, the group intensified its offensive in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and heightening concerns that the conflict could develop into a wider regional crisis.