DRC: Militants kill ten civilians near Beni November 5 /update 1

Event

At least ten civilians were killed after a group of armed militants attacked Kokola (North Kivu province), north of Beni, on the night (local time) of Tuesday, November 5. Military officials have blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) for carrying out the attack, which began around 20:00. Congolese soldiers were deployed to the area and engaged the militants before they withdrew. 

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.