30 Nov 2019 | 07:18 PM UTC
DRC: ADF senior leader killed in security operation in North Kivu province November 29
Soldiers kill Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) leader in military operation in North Kivu province November 29; heightened security presence expected over the near term
Event
Military officials announced that Mouhamed Mukubwa Islam, one of the top three leaders of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group, was shot dead during a military operation on Friday, November 29, in Beni (North Kivu province). The announcement comes one day after ADF militants killed 13 people in the village of Kukutama near Oicha.
A heightened security presence is expected in North Kivu province over the near term amid an ongoing military operation against ADF rebels.
Context
According to local civil society activists, around 94 people have been killed in almost daily attacks suspected to have been carried out by ADF militants in North Kivu since early November, when security operations began to combat ADF fighters. 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.
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.
