The Islamic State militant group on Monday claimed accountability for a lethal assault {that a} U.N. mission stated had killed no less than 43 worshippers throughout an evening mass at a church in japanese Congo.
At daybreak on Sunday, Islamic State-allied rebels stormed the church in Komanda, a village positioned round 75 kilometers from Ituri’s provincial capital Bunia, killing individuals with weapons and machetes and taking captives.
Islamic State stated on its Telegram channel that rebels had killed some 45 churchgoers and burned dozens of houses and outlets.
The U.N. mission generally known as MONUSCO stated no less than 43 individuals had been killed, together with 19 girls and 9 youngsters, whereas condemning the assault carried out by the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The ADF originates in neighboring Uganda, however is now primarily based in mineral-rich japanese Congo. It mounts frequent assaults, additional destabilising a area the place many militant teams compete for affect and assets.
Pope Leo on Monday despatched a message of condolences to the bereaved households and the Christian neighborhood who misplaced their family members and associates within the assault, saying he would pray for them. — Reuters
