08 Feb 2024 | 02:16 PM UTC
DRC: Militant violence likely in Ituri Province through at least late February
Further militant attacks likely in Ituri Province, DRC, through at least late Feburary. Increased security and disruptions possible.
Militant attacks, including by the Islamic State-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), are likely in Ituri Province through at least late February. Officials attributed a series of recent attacks in Ituri to the ADF in late January and early February. In Mambasa Territory, ADF militants killed at least 11 people Feb. 5 in the village of Manziya. Between Feb. 1-2, nine civilians were killed during a series of raids along the border between Ituri and North Kivu provinces. On Jan. 30, armed assailants killed eight people and abducted 30 others near Beni, near the border with Ituri Province.
There is an ongoing joint military operation, known as Operation Shuuja, between the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces (UDPF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in Ituri Province targeting ADF militants. Heightened security measures and clashes between security forces and militants are likely throughout the province. Business and transportation disruptions are also likely near attack sites.
Consider deferring nonessential travel to conflict-affected areas in eastern DRC until the situation stabilizes. Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling in the region. Reconfirm the status of roads and border crossings before departure. Travel in convoy and during daylight hours only. Adhere to directives issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.
The threat of militant violence is severe in eastern regions of the DRC despite the implementation of a state of siege in Ituri and North Kivu. Fatal attacks and kidnappings are regularly carried out by some of the numerous armed groups operating in the east of the country. Militants typically employ significant and indiscriminate violence in such assaults, and foreign personnel may be targeted in attacks due to the perception that they are wealthy and vulnerable.
