Suspected Allied Democratic Forces rebels killed thirty three people during overnight raids in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The coordinated attacks hit multiple villages in the Beni territory of North Kivu province.
Charles Omeonga, the Beni territorial administrator, said the attackers struck simultaneously at around eleven o’clock at night. They used machetes and firearms against residents in the Lubumbashi, Kananga and Yambi-Yaya districts.
The rebels torched numerous properties and vehicles as they fled toward the forest. Around sixty houses and businesses were burned, along with several motorcycles.
Terrified residents fled their homes to seek refuge in safer areas. The army deployed reinforcements to the zone and launched operations to pursue the attackers, according to local media reports.
The massacre took place soon after James Swan, head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo, met with North Kivu provincial leaders to discuss regional security. Swan reaffirmed the commitment of the mission, known as MONUSCO, to support Congolese authorities in restoring peace.
"Protection of civilians remains our priority," Swan told officials during his visit. The Allied Democratic Forces has operated in eastern Congo for years and is affiliated with the Islamic State group.
Ugandan and Congolese forces have been conducting joint military operations against the rebel faction since 2021. Security forces continue their pursuit of the attackers in the forested border region.
