Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo intercepted four drones launched by the M23 rebel group towards Kisangani Bangoka International Airport in northeastern DR Congo, officials said on Monday.

The incident in Tshopo province marks the latest escalation in the conflict between Congolese forces and M23 rebels.

Provincial Minister Claudine Atisadi said in a statement that the attacks were foiled between 3 pm and 7:48 pm local time on Sunday.

"Four of these drones were intercepted and shot down over the skies of Bangoka,” Atisadi said. “The provincial authorities vehemently condemn these cowardly and terrorist attacks.”

M23 spokesperson's death

The provincial authorities said one of the drones crashed while a civilian aircraft was announcing its landing.

M23 rebels confirmed on Saturday that the Congolese army killed Willy Ngoma, the group's military spokesperson, in a drone strike in eastern DR Congo on February 24.

The Congo River Alliance (AFC), a rebel coalition that includes M23 rebels, claimed responsibility for the previous attack on the Kisangani Bangoka International Airport in January.

The airport, located 17 kilometres from Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, is believed to house the headquarters of the government's General Staff of the Third Defence Zone.

Tense situation

The security situation in eastern DR Congo remained tense last week following intensified fighting between M23 rebels and government forces, according to the government.

Despite an Angola-proposed ceasefire declared last month, effective February 18, clashes intensified in the territory of Masisi, in North Kivu, displacing thousands of people from their homes.

There have been counterclaims of ceasefire violations.

DRC and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group, allegations that Kigali denies.