More than 40 civilians were killed by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels during an attack on a village in the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday night.
According to local authorities in eastern DRC and eyewitness accounts on Friday, the attackers targeted villagers, burning houses and sowing panic.
The official death toll stands at least 43, but some sources suggest an even higher number.
This attack is part of a series of violent incidents perpetrated by the ADF, an armed group originating in Uganda and active in eastern DRC since the 1990s.
Since 2019, the ADF has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and is known for attacks primarily targeting civilians in isolated areas, resulting in large-scale massacres.
The provinces of North Kivu and Ituri remain particularly affected.
Despite military operations by the Congolese army and international forces, the ADF
continues to strike with extreme brutality, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and threatening the lives of the population.
Local authorities condemned the attack and called for increased security.
Humanitarian organisations stressed the urgent need for intervention to prevent further massacres and provide assistance to affected residents.
TE/Sf/fss/jn/APA