30 May 2019 | 06:36 PM UTC
DRC: Clashes near Beni (North Kivu) leave 26 ADF rebels dead May 30 /update 1
Clashes between Congolese forces and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels near Beni (North Kivu province) leave 26 rebels dead May 30; similar clashes to be expected in North Kivu over near term
Event
Congolese military forces clashed with Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels near Beni (North Kivu province) on Thursday, May 30, leaving some 26 rebels dead. Similar clashes between Congolese forces and ADF rebels are to be expected around Beni - the center of the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic - 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, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
