DeadlyIslamic extremist assault on Congo village leaves over 70 victims

Violent Islamic attack leaves over 70 individuals dead in Congo village

In the village of Ntoyo, North Kivu province, a tragic incident unfolded on Monday evening. The Islamic militia ADF, originating from eastern African Uganda, is believed to be linked to the attack.

The attack was carried out with rifles, axes, and machetes, resulting in a devastating loss of life. According to police, more than 70 people have died, and dozens of survivors have been taken to hospitals. The Red Cross provided figures for the survivors taken to hospitals.

The ADF has been a menacing presence in the resource-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo for years. Known for their attacks on Christian villages or churches, the ADF has been operating in the forests of Congo for nearly 30 years. However, it's important to note that the ADF does not operate specifically in the village of Ntoyo or North Kivu province, but rather in the broader forested regions of Congo.

The ADF, originally seeking to establish an Islamic state in Uganda, fled to Congo after a military defeat. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks over the past three decades, with this latest incident being one of the deadliest.

The attack took place as many people were gathered for a vigil ahead of a funeral in the village. The exact name of the leader or a prominent commander of the Islamist militia ADF could not be ascertained at the time of reporting.

The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing violence for years, with more than a hundred militias fighting for local influence and control over resources such as coltan, copper, and cobalt. The ADF's attacks are not limited to Monday evening but have been ongoing for nearly 30 years.

This latest attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing violence and instability in the region. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this senseless act of violence.