At Least 80 Killed in Recent ADF Rebel Attacks in Eastern DRC
At least 80 people have been killed in a series of brutal attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the Baswagha-Madiwe group of Beni territory, North Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The attacks, which took place between Tuesday, May 4, and Friday, May 7, primarily targeted the villages of Masala, Mapasana, and Mahini, with a significant portion occurring on Friday night.
Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, an army spokesman in North Kivu, confirmed the involvement of ADF rebels in these violent incidents.
In addition to the mass killings, the assailants looted 25 motorcycles and set numerous houses ablaze during their raids, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
The violence has led to mass displacement, with residents fleeing to neighboring areas such as Kyatsaba, parts of the western city of Beni, and Mabalako.
The General Reference Hospital in Mabalako is reportedly overwhelmed with patients, including many of the injured from the recent attacks.
In a continuing wave of violence, the ADF rebels have also claimed the lives of 30 more civilians over the past two weeks in the villages of Masau, Mununze, Kabweke, and Manlese.
Since May 3, Beni territory’s civil society reports that a total of 123 civilians have been killed in attacks attributed to the ADF in various locations, including Bapakombe-Pendekali region, Mangina, Mantumbi, Kudukudu, Kalmango, and Beu-Manyama.
The ADF, a militant group now based in eastern Congo, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and frequently mounts attacks, further destabilizing a region already plagued by numerous armed groups.
The recent surge in violence highlights the ongoing security crisis in the eastern DRC, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of militant aggression.
The international community and local authorities face increasing pressure to address the escalating violence and provide much-needed security and humanitarian assistance to the affected populations.
The situation remains dire, with many displaced persons in urgent need of shelter, medical care, and protection from further attacks.
Additional source: Africanews
