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ADF in DR Congo: IS-linked rebels accused of killing Christian worshippers in Komanda ADF in DR Congo: IS-linked rebels accused of killing Christian worshippers in Komanda
(about 20 hours later)
Nearly 90% of Islamic State's operations are now carried out by its affiliates in Africa - this propaganda video is said to show a previous ADF attack in DR CongoNearly 90% of Islamic State's operations are now carried out by its affiliates in Africa - this propaganda video is said to show a previous ADF attack in DR Congo
Dozens of people have been killed in an attack by an Islamic State affiliate in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local officials say. More than 40 people were killed in an attack by an Islamic State affiliate in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the UN and the military said.
About 20 of the dead were worshippers taking part in a night vigil at a church in the town of Komanda when they were attacked by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters, they say. Most of them were worshippers taking part in a night vigil at a church in the town of Komanda when they were attacked by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters. Nine of those killed were children, the UN peacekeeping mission said.
Nearby shops and businesses were looted and set on fire.Nearby shops and businesses were looted and set on fire.
The ADF emerged in Uganda in the 1990s, accusing the government there of persecuting Muslims, but is now based over the border in DR Congo, where it regularly attacks civilians of all religions, as well as in Uganda.The ADF emerged in Uganda in the 1990s, accusing the government there of persecuting Muslims, but is now based over the border in DR Congo, where it regularly attacks civilians of all religions, as well as in Uganda.
It has since become part of the Islamic State's Central African Province, which also includes a group in Mozambique.It has since become part of the Islamic State's Central African Province, which also includes a group in Mozambique.
According to research by BBC Monitoring, nearly 90% of IS operations are now carried out by affiliates in Africa.According to research by BBC Monitoring, nearly 90% of IS operations are now carried out by affiliates in Africa.
Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society coordinator in Komanda, told the Associated Press that more bodies could be found after the latest attack. The attack claimed at least 43 people, including 19 women, 15 men and nine children, the UN peacekeeping mission, Monusco, said.
"More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside [the church] and we have recorded at least three charred bodies and several houses burned. But the search is continuing." "These targeted attacks against defenceless civilians, particularly in places of worship, are not only appalling but also in violation of all human rights standards and international humanitarian law," said Monusco deputy chief Vivian van de Perre.
Father Aime Lokana Dhego, a local priest, told the AFP news agency: "We have at least 31 dead members of the Eucharistic Crusade movement, with six seriously injured. Some young people were kidnapped, we have no news of them." The Congolese military said "about 40 people were surprised and killed with machetes and several others were seriously injured".
He added that seven other bodies had been found elsewhere in the town. It said "these terrorists have decided to take revenge on defenceless peaceful populations to spread terror".
The UN-sponsored Radio Okapi website put the number of dead at 43. Lt Jules Ngongo, the Congolese army spokesman in Ituri province, where the attack happened, said it was meant to divert attention from their ongoing joint military operation with the Ugandan military targeting the militant group.
A spokesperson for the army said he could confirm 10 deaths. He said the army would continue to hunt down the ADF "to their last stronghold" and called on the people "to remain extra vigilant and report any suspicious presence to the defence and security forces".
In 2021, DR Congo invited Ugandan troops into the country to help tackle the ADF. Attacks however still continue.In 2021, DR Congo invited Ugandan troops into the country to help tackle the ADF. Attacks however still continue.
Komanda is in DR Congo's mineral-rich Ituri province, which has been fought over by various armed groups for many years.Komanda is in DR Congo's mineral-rich Ituri province, which has been fought over by various armed groups for many years.
Last week, Monusco condemned a "resurgence of violence", this month, citing earlier ADF attacks on 8-9 July which it said had resulted in 47 deaths.
Find out more about the ADF:Find out more about the ADF:
ADF: The Ugandan rebels working with IS in DR CongoADF: The Ugandan rebels working with IS in DR Congo
Inside view of the IS-linked ADF rebelsInside view of the IS-linked ADF rebels
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafricaFollow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica