A horrific attack on a Catholic church in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has left at least 43 dead, including children, as Islamic State-backed rebels targeted worshippers preparing for a religious celebration. The assault, carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Komanda around 1 a.m. on July 27, also saw homes and shops burned to the ground. 🕯️
Night of Terror
Survivors described scenes of chaos as armed militants stormed the church, with many victims reportedly trapped inside. Local officials confirmed the ADF looted a bank during the rampage, while UN peacekeepers rushed to secure the area. Footage captured by CGTN’s Stringer shows smoke rising from the charred ruins of the community’s heart.
Global Condemnation
The EU and African Union have called for urgent action to address escalating violence in the region, where over 120 armed groups operate. The DRC’s government has vowed to 'hunt down' the perpetrators, but residents fear retaliation. 'We’re living in hell,' one witness told reporters anonymously.
This marks the deadliest attack in the DRC this year, underscoring the humanitarian crisis in a region plagued by decades of conflict over resources and political instability. 💔
