An Allied Democratic Forces raid in Cantine-Aloya, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killed at least 33 civilians, burned a health post and forced Ebola patients to flee nearby care late Thursday, November 5, officials and local sources said Friday.
The attack took place around 11 p.m. in North Kivu, about 50 kilometers west of Beni. The ADF, an armed group affiliated with Islamic State, also set fire to homes, according to local officials. Civil society leader Tchetche Aliamini said 33 bodies had been recovered.
Most had gunshot wounds. Some victims appeared to have been burned or killed with machetes. Beni territorial administrator Colonel Charles Omeonga said heavy rain was hampering army operations and investigations.
He said the final death toll remained uncertain. Hospital head Christian Kakule Vulembera said one confirmed Ebola patient and five suspected patients fled amid the attack. The five suspected patients included three people judged to face a high risk.
Their departure could make it harder for health workers to find and monitor possible cases as they try to contain the outbreak. A separate Associated Press report said 180 patients left the hospital. The report highlighted broader disruption to local care.