Allied Democratic Forces Kill 43 in Congo Church Attack

A brutal attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-linked rebel group, on a Catholic church in Komanda, Ituri province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulted in at least 34 to 43 deaths, including children. The rebels stormed the church during a nighttime prayer vigil, stabbing worshippers and setting fire to nearby houses and shops, while also kidnapping children aged 12 to 14. This assault ended a brief period of calm in the region, which remains highly volatile with numerous armed groups vying for control of valuable resources. The attack highlights ongoing persecution of Christians in eastern Congo, where churches often serve as shelters for internally displaced people. Despite the presence of security forces, local leaders have demanded urgent military intervention as the rebels remain close to the town. The ADF, originally a Ugandan rebel group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019, has escalated violence in the area, posing a significant security challenge.