27 Nov 2019 | 05:23 PM UTC
DRC: Militant attack leaves at least 13 dead in Oicha (North Kivu province) November 27
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants kill at least 13 civilians in Oicha (North Kivu province) on November 27; similar attacks likely over the near term
Event
At least 13 people were killed by suspected militants overnight between Tuesday, November 26, and Wednesday, November 27, in the town of Oicha (North Kivu province), near Beni. The assailants are believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group. According to local civil society activists, more than 1500 people have been killed by ADF rebels in and around Beni in the past four years.
Similar militant attacks are to be expected in North Kivu province over the near term.
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.
