At least 43 people have been killed in an attack by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Congolese army. Officials say 44 houses were also set on fire in the overnight assault in Bafwakoa, in Mambasa territory, Ituri province.
A regional army spokesperson, Lieutenant Jules Tshikudi Ngongo, said the attack took place on Wednesday and that victims were killed and homes torched during the raid. He added that the death toll may rise as search operations continue in the area.
Local officials told Reuters that some victims were killed with machetes while others died after their homes were set ablaze. Two people were also abducted during the attack, according to a territorial administrator in Mambasa.
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Authorities have blamed the assault on the ADF, a group originally linked to former Ugandan rebels that has pledged allegiance to ISIL. The army says the group continues to target civilians despite joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces in the region.
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