Rebels linked to Islamic State kill 19 in eastern Congo

14/10/2025 6:25

Suspected Islamic State-backed rebels killed 19 civilians in an overnight attack in eastern Congo, two local officials said on Monday, deepening insecurity in the mineral-rich region.



The attack, believed to have been carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces group, occurred in the village of Mukondo in North Kivu province, Alain Kiwewa, the military administrator for Lubero territory where Mukondo is located, told Reuters, adding that the death toll could rise.



There was no immediate claim of responsibility by the ADF, which is also known as Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) and has claimed responsibility for a spate of attacks in recent months, including one in September on a funeral that killed more than 60 civilians. Reuters could not immediately

reach ADF for comment.



The assailants in Mukondo wore uniforms resembling those of the Congolese army, which allowed them to enter the village without arousing suspicion. They then attacked people using guns, knives and clubs, said a local pastor who declined to give his name for security reasons.