Islamic State-linked rebels killed at least ‌15 ​people in three villages in ‌eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s Lubero territory, two officials said ​on Friday, keeping up a pattern of lethal attacks targeting mostly civilians. The Allied Democratic Forces began ‍as an insurgent force in ​Uganda but has been based in the forests of neighbouring Congo since the late ​1990s, and ⁠is recognised by Islamic State as an affiliate. Congo’s army and Ugandan forces have pursued operations against the ADF, but the group’s raids persist. Its latest attacks occurred on Thursday night in Lubero, part of North Kivu province. Nine civilians were killed in Kilonge, two ‌civilians in Katanga and two civilians and two soldiers in Maendeleo, according to ​Macaire Sivikunula, ‌chief of the Bapere ‍locality where ⁠the villages are located. “The ADF rebels killed most of the victims with bladed weapons,” although they also exchanged gunfire with soldiers in Maendeleo, he told Reuters.

Full report : Islamic State-Linked Rebels Kill 15 in Eastern Congo, Officials Say.