22 Dead, 10 Abducted As Islamic State-Linked Rebels Attack Eastern Congo

At least 22 civilians have been killed and 10 others abducted after Islamic State-linked rebels launched a series of attacks on villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), close to the Ugandan border. The attacks, carried out across eight locations over two days, have raised fresh concerns about security in a region already battling a deadly Ebola outbreak.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out the attacks in Mambasa territory in eastern Ituri province between Tuesday and Wednesday. The remote communities are difficult to reach, making it harder for security forces and local authorities to respond.

Marie-Noelle Anatobe, coordinator of the Civil Society of Congo in Mambasa territory, said the death toll was provisional and could increase. The attackers also set fire to homes and motorcycles and abducted several people.

"The death toll remains provisional. In addition to the 22 civilians killed, the perpetrators abducted other individuals, and motorcycles and homes were set on fire," Anatobe said.

Rams Malikidogo, a coordinator of the Association for the Protection and Defense of Vulnerable Children and Women in Mombasa, expressed concern over the loss of lives.

"This morning, we were left only to count the dead. It is truly deplorable," he said.

Mombasa deputy administrator Col Maxime Tshishimbi said authorities were taking steps to contain the group's activities despite the challenges. However, residents have repeatedly complained that security forces are often absent when attacks take place.

The latest violence also threatens efforts to contain the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak, a form of Ebola, in Ituri. The situation has become increasingly serious, with the province recording the highest number of cases in the country.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's November 11 update, DR Congo had reported 11,042 confirmed cases and 5,387 deaths as of November 10, based on data available through November 9. Ituri alone accounted for 7,684 cases and 3,628 deaths.

The ADF originated in Uganda before moving towards the Congo border, where it has carried out attacks on civilians for years. The group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019.

The Ugandan and Congolese armies have jointly conducted military operations against the rebels but have struggled to stop their attacks. Last year, the ADF killed dozens of people in Irumu territory in Ituri, in an attack the United Nations described as a "bloodbath".