23 Jul 2019 | 02:39 PM UTC
DRC: Suspected ADF rebels kill at least 12 civilians in North Kivu province July 22-23
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels kill at least 12 civilians in North Kivu province July 22-23, with no group immediately claiming responsibility for attacks; similar assaults to be expected over the near term
Event
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels killed at least 12 civilians in two attacks in North Kivu province overnight (local time) from Monday, July 22, into Tuesday, July 23. The first attack at Oicha Mabasele, near Beni, left at least nine dead and four wounded; the second attack, in Eringeti, left three dead. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Similar militant attacks are to be expected in North Kivu province over the near term.
Context
The ADF is a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s. The group has also been blamed for attacks in neighboring Ituri province in recent months. There has been local and international speculation regarding potential links between ADF rebels and Islamic State (IS) militants, who have claimed multiple attacks in North Kivu province in recent weeks; IS has attributed such attacks to fighters from its "Central Africa Province."
Advice
Individuals in North Kivu province are advised to remain vigilant for militant activity, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
