43 killed in suspected ADF rebel attack in eastern DR Congo: Army

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels killed 43 civilians and burnt several houses in the latest violence against residents in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the military said Thursday.

The night raid took place in Bandaka chiefdom, Bafwakowa town in Ituri province's Mambasa territory on Wednesday overnight, according to the army.

In a statement, the army denounced the "barbaric" attack on civilian populations.

It said the attack was a serious violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.

The army reassured the public that combat operations are underway to track down the perpetrators of the violence.

The rebel group, which has been active in eastern Congo for several years, is affiliated with the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group.

Since 2021, Ugandan and Congolese forces have been conducting joint operations against the ADF rebels.

According to local media reports, the situation remained tense and dozens of people were fleeing their homes to safer places following the attack.

Last week, the military said they killed a top commander of the ADF, Defender Kasibandi alias Salongo, in a combat operation in North Kivu's Lubero territory.