Attacks blamed on the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces killed at least 44 civilians in Mambasa territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo from November 9 to 12, worsening insecurity near an area dealing with an Ebola outbreak.
The raids took place in Ituri province, where local sources said civilians were killed in several villages. At least 14 people were reported killed in attacks in the Bangole area on Thursday, November 12. Civil-society sources cited by French and Belgian media said about 30 more people were killed elsewhere.
The reported death toll is provisional. Reports said some areas were still difficult to reach while searches continued. A local official said some victims were killed with machetes, while others were shot.
The attacks followed a separate ADF attack in neighboring North Kivu. That attack reportedly killed 66 people, including three health workers. It also damaged health facilities.
Congolese and Ugandan forces have sent troops to the region to pursue the ADF. But the group has continued its attacks. The latest violence adds to the pressures on communities and health workers responding to Ebola in eastern Congo.