Goma: Commercial aircraft temporarily grounded as airport within striking distance

(PHOTO: Residents of Kibumba fleeing toward Goma, 30 km south of hamlet)



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The airport of Goma is perilously within striking distance of M23

fire. That's why airport and provincial authorities have temporarily

grounded and interdicted incoming commercial aircraft from landing at

Goma airport.



For example, a Kinshasa-bound CAA flight that had already taken off

from Goma airport was ordered to turn back within minutes of take-off.

It is alleged that it was directed to land back for fear of being hit

by M23 fire, which is directed at strafing MONUSCO gunships.



Passengers from that flight I spoke to this morning told me the CAA

airline told them to go back home till further notice.



Other Goma residents and newswires report that after the fall early

Saturday to M23 of Kibumba, a hamlet 30 km north of Goma, fierce

combats are now taking place at Munigi, a mere 3 km north of Goma.



FARDC sources allege to have found, among other things, US army issue

night vision goggles among the M23 dead at Kibumba, which points to

Rwandan reinforcement of the insurgents.



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PHOTO CREDITS: Magloire Paluku

Via: www.actudukivu@blogspot.com