These men were seized by AFC/M23 combatants in Kashebere, in the Luberike group of Walikale Territory, North Kivu Province.

According to information from the area, the men were transporting the military equipment to Mahanga in Masisi Territory on Tuesday morning. The report was confirmed by security services and local authorities in the town of Walikale.

The men, who were carrying weapons, were apprehended by AFC/M23 fighters while they were conducting security patrols on the road from Mahanga toward Kasopo.

Although the Government of the DRC and the AFC/M23 coalition signed an agreement in Doha, Qatar, calling on both sides to cease hostilities, the situation continues to deteriorate. Fighting remains intense, and the AFC/M23 coalition is steadily seizing more territory from its rival side, which continues to fire on civilians.