OMM Newsroom
The death toll from an overnight attack by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 33, authorities said on Friday, according to Anadolu Agency.
The attack took place in several villages in Beni territory, North Kivu province, overnight on Thursday. Beni territorial administrator Charles Omeonga said the rebels struck the villages simultaneously at around 11 p.m. local time (0400 GMT Friday), killing people with machetes and firearms.
The attackers targeted the Lubumbashi, Kananga and Yambi-Yaya districts. As they fled toward the forest, they burned houses and businesses, prompting residents to leave their homes for safer nearby areas.
About 60 houses and businesses were reported burned, along with motorcycles.
Local media reported that the army deployed reinforcements to the area and launched operations to pursue the attackers.
The attack came after James Swan, head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO), met North Kivu provincial leaders to discuss security in the region. Swan reaffirmed MONUSCO’s commitment to supporting Congolese authorities in their efforts to restore peace and security, saying: “The protection of civilians remains our priority.”
Ugandan and Congolese forces have conducted joint operations against ADF rebels since 2021. The group has been active in eastern Congo for years and is affiliated with the ISIS (Daesh) terror group.
