IS-linked terrorists kill 21 in deadly Church Attack in Eastern Congo
Congo, July 27: At least 21 people were killed and several others injured on Sunday when Islamic State (IS)-linked terrorists launched a brutal attack on a church in eastern Congo, officials said. The assault, which targeted a place of worship in the province of North Kivu, has drawn widespread condemnation and heightened concerns about the growing reach of extremist groups in the region.
Local authorities reported that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group affiliated with the Islamic State, was behind the attack. The group stormed the church during a service, opening fire and unleashing chaos among congregants. Witnesses described scenes of horror as worshippers tried to flee the violence.
Provincial security officials confirmed that emergency teams rushed to the scene and transported the injured to nearby medical facilities. The death toll could rise as several of the wounded remain in critical condition.
The ADF has a long history of violence in eastern Congo and has increasingly aligned itself with IS in recent years, adopting more radical tactics and targeting civilians. The group is known for carrying out bombings, assassinations, and mass killings, particularly in areas near the Ugandan border.
The United Nations and regional governments have condemned the attack, calling for greater international support in combating extremism in central Africa. “This heinous attack on innocent worshippers is a grim reminder of the threats posed by terror groups in the region,” a UN spokesperson said. (Agencies)
