16 Nov 2019 | 05:14 PM UTC
DRC: Suspected militants kill 15 in North Kivu province November 16
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants kill at least 15 civilians in Mbau (North Kivu province) on November 16; similar attacks possible over the near term
Event
At least 15 people were killed by suspected militants overnight between Friday, November 15, and Saturday, November 16, in the town of Mbau (North Kivu province). The assailants are believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group. According to local civil society activists, more than 40 people have been killed in the region since early November, when security operations began in North Kivu province to combat ADF fighters.
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. 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.
