The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) says at least 52 civilians have been killed by ISIL-backed rebels in the east of the country this month. The Allied Democratic Forces carried out attacks between 9 and 16 August in the Beni and Lubero territories of North Kivu province.
MONUSCO condemned the assaults, warning the death toll could rise. It said the violence included kidnappings, looting and the burning of homes, vehicles and other property. The mission said hundreds of civilians have sought refuge at its base after the attacks.
Also Read: M23 Rebels Killed Over 300 Civilians in Eastern DRC in July says UN
The renewed violence comes as tensions continue between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, despite US-mediated ceasefire talks. A permanent peace deal was due on 18 August but no agreement has been announced.
Local officials say nine people were killed in Oicha town at the weekend, while at least 40 others were killed earlier in the Bapere sector. The ADF, formed by former Ugandan rebels in the 1990s, has killed thousands in the region and remains one of the most lethal armed groups in eastern Congo.
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