DRC: Militant attack leaves five dead in Pitso (Ituri province) April 10 /update 1

Event

According to media reports, suspected Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militants killed five civilians in the village of Pitso (Ituri province) on Friday, April 10. The assailants reportedly killed two civilians and attacked a freight truck, killing the passengers as well. Additional ambushes were reported in the villages of Nyapala and Karo (Ituri province). The exact death toll across the province remains unclear according to local officials. This comes amid an ongoing Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) military offensive in the province. According to military officials, at least 33 CODECO militants and two loyalist soldiers were killed in recent military operations which started on Wednesday, April 8.

Similar attacks are possible in the region over the near term.

Context

The government's limited presence in the DRC's eastern provinces, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias, has led to continued insecurity in the area.

Advice

Individuals in Ituri province are advised to remain vigilant for militant activity, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.