At least 36 people have been killed in a new wave of attacks carried out by suspected Islamist militants in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to local authorities and security sources.
The attacks were blamed on fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked to the Islamic State group and notorious for deadly raids in eastern Congo.
Security officials said at least 21 people were killed between Tuesday and Wednesday in isolated villages located along the border between North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The victims were reportedly attacked in farming communities near Beni Mau.
Some local officials, however, suggested the death toll could be higher, with reports indicating that at least 24 people may have been killed, while several others remain missing.
In a separate attack in Biakato town, located in Ituri province, at least 15 more people were reportedly killed by the militants.
The ADF, originally formed by Ugandan rebels, has operated for years in eastern Congo near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda. The group later pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and has since intensified attacks on civilians, security forces, and local communities.
Residents and local leaders said many of the victims were farmers caught in surprise attacks on remote settlements.
The latest killings come amid growing international concern over worsening insecurity in eastern DR Congo, where multiple armed groups continue to operate despite military operations by Congolese forces and regional troops.
Earlier this week, Amnesty International accused the ADF of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region, citing repeated massacres, abductions, and attacks on civilians.
Authorities have yet to announce the exact number of missing persons or whether additional security deployments will be sent to the affected communities.
