Militant kills 36 People In DR Congo

The military in the Democratic Republic of Congo says at least 36 people were killed by militants.

The Army spokesman in Beni town, Capt. Anthony Mwalushayi said the Allied Democratic Forces, ADF a rebel militia with links to the Islamic State group, killed civilians in Mukondi village in North Kivu province.

“The enemy made the incursion into the chiefdom of Bashu and managed to kill 36 of our compatriots and burned some residents’ huts in the area,” he said.

Several people were injured in Wednesday night’s attack and an investigation has been launched to search for the missing, he said.

Witnesses recount
Meanwhile, witnesses said the attack began around 7 p.m. Wednesday when men with guns and machetes stormed the village and started indiscriminately killing people

“The rebels came and they first burned houses. Then everyone who came out of his house was either cut up with machetes or shot dead,” said Saddam Patangoli, a resident of Mukondi village who fled the attack and returned to his home the following day.

They also abducted many civilians, he said.

Some people are blaming the incident on the Congo army’s lack of presence in the area. “The area is not covered by soldiers of the Congolese armed forces,” said Kasereka Alexis, a survivor of the attack.

“That’s why the enemy took advantage of coming to massacre us,” he said.

Report says conflict has been simmering in eastern Congo for decades as more than 120 armed groups fight for power, influence, and resources, and some to protect their communities.

The ADF rebels are accused by the U.N. and rights groups of targeting, maiming, raping, and abducting civilians, including children. Earlier this month the United States offered a reward of up to $5 million for information that could lead to the capture of the group’s leader, Seka Musa Baluku.

AP/Christopher Ojilere