At least 34 dead in horrific church attack in Congo

In a tragic incident in eastern Congo, particularly in the town of Komanda located in Ituri province, at least 34 individuals lost their lives when Islamic State-backed rebels attacked a Catholic church. The incident occurred around 1 a.m., when a group of armed individuals believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) stormed the church premises. Following the attack, local volunteers began preparing for the burial of the victims in a mass grave at the church compound. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of devastation as not only the church but also several houses and shops were set ablaze by the attackers. Prior to this attack on the church, another reported incident took place in the nearby village of Machongani, resulting in the deaths of at least five additional people. Local residents indicated that the attackers abducted several individuals from Machongani, whose fates remain unknown. The military presence in the area acknowledged the situation, reporting at least ten fatalities from the church attack, although local media claims the death toll could be as high as 43. In recent years, eastern Congo has been plagued by violence from various armed groups, primarily the ADF, which has ties to the Islamic State. This has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and a climate of fear among the local population. The ADF, known for its brutal tactics, initially emerged from Uganda in the late 1990s but has since expanded its operations into Congo. The group is notorious for attacking civilian targets and has carried out other deadly assaults in Ituri, including a recent massacre earlier this month that left numerous victims. The attacks highlight the ongoing struggle faced by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in combating rebel activity in the region. Local leaders have demanded immediate military intervention, as residents express their frustration and fear over the current security situation. With continuous threats looming from the ADF, the need for a response from military forces becomes increasingly urgent. This situation also underlines the broader complexities of the regional conflict involving various militia groups and the impact on civilian life, emphasizing the necessity for international attention and support.