At least 60 People killed in funeral attack in eastern DRC

At least 60 people have been killed in an attack on a funeral in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Local officials say the assault in North Kivu was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces, an armed group linked to ISIL. Many of the victims were reportedly killed with machetes.

Colonel Alain Kiwewa, an administrator in Lubero territory, said the death toll could rise as services continue to recover bodies. Another official confirmed mourners at a night ceremony in Ntoyo were caught off guard before being attacked.

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The ADF has staged repeated assaults in recent months, including attacks on churches and villages. In July, more than 40 people were killed in a church attack, while over 50 died in a separate assault in August. The group is also accused of looting and kidnapping civilians.

The attack comes amid wider insecurity in the mineral-rich Kivu region, where the Congolese army, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, and dozens of militias are active. UN investigators say all parties to the conflict have committed serious human rights violations, including killings and sexual violence.