At least 10 people have been killed, and an undetermined number of others kidnapped, in an attack by extremist rebels linked to the Islamic State (IS) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a military spokesperson on Monday.
The assault, carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an IS-affiliated group in the region, targeted the Batangi-Mbau area in North Kivu province late Sunday. Several houses were torched during the attack, military spokesman Mak Hazukay reported.
“We call on the population to remain vigilant, and we assure them that we will drive the enemy out of our territory,” Hazukay stated.
Eastern DRC has been mired in armed violence for decades, with over 120 groups vying for power, land, and access to valuable mineral resources. Others claim to defend local communities, though many have been implicated in massacres and severe human rights violations.
The ongoing conflict has displaced nearly 7 million people, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
In recent years, ADF attacks have escalated, extending beyond their traditional strongholds to Goma, eastern DRC’s largest city, and neighboring Ituri province. The ADF has been accused by rights organizations and the United Nations of killing hundreds and abducting numerous civilians, including children.
This latest assault follows another deadly attack by the ADF earlier this month, where at least 13 people were killed in a North Kivu village.
(AP)
