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Islamic State-backed rebels kill 21 in Congo church attack

A church in eastern Congo was attacked, resulting in at least 21 confirmed deaths.

July 27, 2025 at 09:42 AM
blur At least 21 killed as Islamic State-backed rebels attack Congo church: Civil leader

Islamic State-backed rebels have killed at least 21 people in a church attack in eastern Congo, reports say.

Attack on church in Congo leaves over 20 dead

At least 21 people were killed in an early Sunday attack on a Catholic church in Komanda, eastern Congo. This incident involved members of the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group linked to the Islamic State. According to Dieudonne Duranthabo, a local civil society leader, the attack resulted in numerous fatalities and also saw several homes and shops set ablaze. While the Congolese army confirmed only 10 deaths, ongoing searches are revealing more victims and damage. The ADF has a history of targeting civilian communities in the region, making this attack part of a disturbing pattern.

Key Takeaways

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Over 21 people confirmed dead in church attack.
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Attack conducted by Islamic State-backed ADF rebels.
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Significant loss of life amid growing insecurity in eastern Congo.
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Civil society leaders urge government action for civilian safety.
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The ADF has a longstanding history of violence in the region.
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Military response appears inadequate amid rising attacks.

"“More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside and we have recorded at least three charred bodies.”"

This quote from Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society coordinator, provides harrowing details of the attack's aftermath.

"“What we know this morning is that there was an incursion by armed men with machetes.”"

Lt. Jules Ngongo’s statement illustrates the surprise and violence of the assault, emphasizing the aggression of the attackers.

This tragic incident highlights the persistent insecurity in eastern Congo, where violence from rebel groups undermines safety for civilians. The ADF has been responsible for similar attacks over the years, often targeting places of worship and strategic locations. With a history of collaboration with the Islamic State, this group poses not only a local threat but also contributes to broader regional instability. Civil society leaders' calls for more protection underline the urgent need for the Congolese government to strengthen its military and civilian safety measures.

Highlights

  • A dark chapter unfolds in eastern Congo as violence escalates.
  • Innocent lives lost in a place meant for safety.
  • Civil leaders demand urgent protection for vulnerable communities.
  • The ADF's brutality continues to haunt the region.

Ongoing violence raises serious concerns

The attack on a place of worship points to a dangerous trend of increasing violence in eastern Congo, threatening civilian safety and national stability.

The long-standing conflict in eastern Congo continues to claim innocent lives, raising alarms about regional security.

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