Operation Harpoon

11-13 September 2026: 36H Combat Mission, Catterick OBUA
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Operation Harpoon
11-13 September
36HR Combat Mission
Catterick OBUA

Location: Kinshasa: Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

In May 2026 the Democratic Republic of the Congo entered its deepest political crisis in decades when a faction of senior military officers launched a coup against the elected government. The officers, calling themselves the National Stability Council (NSC), accused the government of corruption, economic mismanagement, and failing to control armed groups operating across the eastern provinces.

Initially, the coup leaders believed control of the country’s vast mineral wealth would provide the financial foundation needed to consolidate power. Their strategy focused on securing key mining regions in Bulungo and the copper-cobalt belt. However, many of the largest mining operations were protected by a private military contractor known as Strategic Solutions, a British PMC employed by a consortium of foreign and domestic mining companies.

The NSC expected local military garrisons to support their takeover and anticipated little resistance around major mining facilities. Instead, Strategic Solutions refused demands to hand over security control of several strategic sites.

Over the course of three weeks, clashes erupted around mining hubs, airfields, and logistics corridors. While the PMC lacked the manpower to hold large territories, it successfully protected critical infrastructure and evacuation routes. Several mining companies suspended operations and began airlifting foreign personnel out of the country.

The NSC’s inability to seize the mines created an immediate funding crisis. International markets reacted sharply, cobalt exports collapsed, and government revenues plummeted. Rather than securing a quick victory, the coup leaders found themselves engaged in a costly and expanding conflict.

The failure in the mining regions exposed divisions within the Congolese military. Several brigades remained loyal to the elected government, while others declared neutrality.

Provincial governors began forming local defence forces. Former rebel groups saw opportunities to expand their influence. What had started as a military coup was rapidly transforming into a nationwide power struggle.

As the conflict widened, both the government and the NSC accused Strategic Solutions of effectively becoming a third armed actor. The company denied any political role, insisting it was protecting contracted facilities and personnel.

By July the conflict has reached the capital.

Kinshasa has become divided into zones controlled by competing forces:

  • Government troops hold the presidential district and several military bases.
  • NSC forces control parts of the airport complex and key transportation routes.
  • Local militias have established checkpoints throughout residential neighbourhoods.
  • Police units fractured, with some supporting the government and others aligning with the coup leaders.

The city has descended into chaos.

Heavy fighting has erupted around government ministries, television stations, and communication hubs. Power outages became routine. Banks have closed. Food supplies have dwindled as transport routes from the provinces are disrupted.

Neighbouring countries have closed borders and began reinforcing their own security forces. The African Union called for an immediate ceasefire, while the United Nations debated emergency intervention measures.

Foreign governments have evacuated diplomats and citizens. Rumours spread that regional powers were secretly backing different factions, though evidence remained unclear.

Meanwhile, Strategic Solutions found itself under increasing pressure. Some governments have demanded the PMC withdraw entirely, while mining companies argue that abandoning the sites will leave billions of dollars of infrastructure vulnerable to seizure or destruction.

By August, The NSC control significant military assets but lack stable revenue.

The government has retained international recognition but is struggling to project authority beyond pockets of territory.
Strategic Solutions still hold several mining complexes, yet its continued presence has become politically explosive but with the full backing of the elected government they remain operational and a key factor in preventing the NSC seize complete control
Kinshasa stands at the centre of the crisis: a sprawling metropolis where the outcome of the conflict would likely determine the future of the country.
The question facing every faction is no longer whether the coup would succeed or fail—but whether the Democratic Republic of the Congo will emerge as a unified state at all, or fracture into competing centres of power after months of escalating warfare.

 

Strategic Solutions

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NSC

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Catterick OBUA

Catterick OBUA – Directions

Lat, Long / Postcode:
54.359700, -1.717140 / DL9 3RH

Arrivals:
1800H-2100H 11 September

Price

£140 TOTAL
– Online booking of £55 deposit (plus fees)
– Remainder to be paid on arrival