29 Oct 2020 | 05:47 PM UTC
DRC: ADF militants attack village in Beni territory (North Kivu province) October 28
At least 18 killed after suspected ADF militants attack Baeti village in Beni territory (North Kivu province) on October 28; further attacks likely in near term
Event
At least 18 people were killed on Wednesday evening, October 28, after suspected Allied Democratic Force (ADF) militants attacked the village of Baeti in Beni territory (North Kivu province). The attackers are reported to have looted multiple shops and burned down a church.
Additional security forces personnel have been dispatched to the region following the attacks. Further attacks and security operations are likely in the Beni region in the near term.
Context
The ADF, a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s, has been increasingly active in the Beni region in recent months, staging dozens of attacks on local communities and security forces. According to the UN figures, more than 1000 civilians have been killed in attacks by the group since the beginning of 2019.
Advice
Those in North Kivu are advised to remain vigilant for rebel and militia activity, monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. A number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country due to poor security conditions, including the presence of armed groups and a high risk of kidnapping. Professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.
