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Islamic State-linked rebels killed over 50 at an east Congo funeral

Officials said that Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels used machetes to kill more than 50 civilians at a funeral held in eastern Congo. This was the latest large-scale assault by the Islamic State-backed organization.

Macaire Sivikunula is a local administrator who confirmed that the attack took place on Monday evening in Ntoyo in North Kivu's Lubero Territory.

I can confirm that a preliminary death toll is 50. He said that the victims were taken by surprise at a ceremony of mourning in Ntoyo village at 9 pm. "Most of them were killed using machetes," added Mr. Okoti. The search continues."

Colonel Alain Kiwewa is the military administrator of Lubero. He told reporters that the death toll could be as high as 60, and it may even rise, since there are still many people missing.

In Congo's mineral rich east, the ADF is one of several militias fighting over land and resources.

Congo's army, along with its ally Uganda, has intensified operations in recent weeks against the ADF.

The ADF has killed over 50 civilians last month in multiple attacks. In July, the ADF attacked a church and left 38 people dead. Reporting by Congo Newsroom, Writing by Robbie Corey Boulet, Editing and rewriting by Timothy Heritage and Andrew Cawthorne

(source: Reuters)