Summary
An attack on a church in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo killed at least 38 people and injured 15 others. The attack was carried out by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) using guns and machetes during a prayer vigil in Komanda city. Several homes and shops were also set on fire, and more people are still missing.
Key Facts
- The attack happened at a Catholic church in Komanda city, located in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
- At least 38 people died in the incident, and 15 were injured.
- The attackers are believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group with ties to ISIL (ISIS).
- The ADF uses violence against civilians and has been active in the region since moving operations from Uganda to the DRC in the early 2000s.
- Several houses and shops were burned during the attack, and some bodies were found in these burned buildings.
- The attack took place while people attended a prayer vigil in the church, organized by the Caritas charity.
- A civil society leader stated that more bodies might be found, and some residents have fled to a nearby town for safety.
- The United Nations has condemned the increase in violence in Ituri province.
