At least 13 civilians have been killed and an entire village burned down following a fresh attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces, ADF, in Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The attack occurred in Mambasa territory during the night of Friday, August 7, into Saturday, August 8, according to the human rights organisation Protection Plus.
The organisation said ADF fighters raided the area, killing civilians and setting the village ablaze. The latest violence has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Ituri, where communities continue to face attacks by armed groups.
Residents and civil society organisations have expressed anger over the resurgence of ADF attacks, questioning why civilians remain vulnerable despite continuing security operations and the presence of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO.
The ADF has operated for years across parts of eastern DRC, particularly in Ituri and neighbouring North Kivu, and has been blamed for repeated attacks on civilians.
The latest killings add to the heavy civilian toll from persistent insecurity in eastern Congo, where numerous armed groups remain active despite military operations intended to contain them.
Local organisations are calling for stronger protection of civilians and more effective action against armed groups as communities in Mambasa confront another deadly episode of violence.