Congolese forces reported intercepting an unregistered aircraft over eastern Democratic Republic of Congo airspace on Tuesday.
Military spokesman Sylvain Ekenge stated the craft was bound for a volatile conflict zone in South Kivu.
The army took swift action to secure its airspace, ensuring territorial integrity, after Monday’s incident.
M23 rebels, however, accused Kinshasa of bombing a civilian plane carrying crucial humanitarian aid that Monday.
Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed the assault destroyed vital medical and food supplies.
The M23 group further alleged the government consistently violated the standing ceasefire agreement.
Kinshasa has long accused Rwanda of backing M23, a charge Kigali steadfastly denies.
The M23 currently controls significant territory in eastern Congo, including major provincial capitals.
This airspace incident unfolded just days after a Congo-Rwanda peace pact was sealed on June 27.
Signed in Washington, the accord aims to quell the protracted conflict between the two armies.
A rebel conglomerate, AFC/M23, described the US-brokered deal as a “useful” but limited step.
Local media also reported fierce clashes Monday between AFC/M23 and pro-government Wazalendo militia.
These renewed hostilities unfolded in the contested territory of Rutshuru, North Kivu province.
The conflict has tragically displaced 500,000 and killed over 3,000 by late February, experts confirm.
