06 Aug 2019 | 04:13 PM UTC
DRC: Militant attack leaves two dead in North Kivu province August 5-6
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attack in North Kivu province leaves two dead, 24 missing August 5-6; similar attacks to be expected over the near term
Event
Unidentified militants attacked Kisima, a town 40 km (25 mi) east of Beni (North Kivu province), overnight (local time) between Monday, August 5, and Tuesday, August 6, leaving at least two people dead and 24 others missing. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack; Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are suspected. This comes after another suspected ADF attack in a town near Kamango (North Kivu province), which left at least five people dead on Sunday, August 4.
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.
