At least 43 killed in deadly attack in Congo

At least 43 people have been killed in an attack by an ISIS-linked rebel group in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reports Al Jazeera.

Lieutenant Jules Shikudi Ngongo, spokesperson for the regional army, reported that the assault took place Thursday (April 2) in Bafwakoy, Mambasa territory of Ituri province.

In addition to the fatalities, 44 homes were burned during the attack.

Authorities have blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group formed by former Ugandan rebels that has pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Eastern DRC has faced persistent challenges from multiple armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23, which seized several major towns, including Goma, last year. The Congolese army continues to struggle to contain ADF in the region.

Baptiste Muniapandi, an administrative officer in Mambasa, told Reuters that search operations are ongoing and the death toll may rise.

Local leader Christian Alimasi said attackers set fire to homes, killed some with sharp weapons, and burned others alive inside their houses. Two people were reportedly abducted during the raid.