Suspected IS Militants Launch Deadly Attack on Village in Congo, at Least 33 Killed

Suspected militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) have launched a deadly attack on a village in eastern Congo, killing at least 33 people. The attackers are also accused of setting fire to houses and looting property. The region is already gripped by fear due to an Ebola outbreak, and the latest attack has forced many residents to flee their homes in search of safety.

According to an Associated Press report, the attack took place on Thursday night in Kantine village in North Kivu province, eastern Congo. The attackers were allegedly linked to the Islamic State.

Justin Paluku, head of a local civil society organisation, blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) for the attack. Speaking on Friday, he said the militants had killed at least 33 people and set fire to around 50 houses, besides carrying out widespread looting. Following the attack, many frightened villagers were forced to abandon their homes and flee to safer locations.

Meanwhile, the Ebola virus is spreading rapidly in the region, adding to the growing crisis. Christian Kakule, medical director of the Kelikeli Hospital Centre in Kantine, said that around 180 patients from the local hospital were among those forced to flee following the attack. He also stated that the attack took place just 50 metres away from the hospital.

More concerningly, several of the people who fled the hospital were reportedly infected with Ebola. Health experts fear that their movement could lead to the further spread of the deadly virus to other areas.

According to reports, at least 5,000 people have already died due to Ebola in the North Kivu region. The ongoing violence has further complicated efforts by doctors and healthcare workers to treat patients and contain the outbreak.

It is worth mentioning that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have carried out several attacks in eastern Congo in the past. Repeated incidents of violence have left local residents living in constant fear and insecurity, Justin Paluku said.