Attack of rebels supported by the Islamic State the church in Congo leaves several dead

Rebels supported by the Islamic State killed 38 people and left 15 injured in an attack on a church in Komanda, east of Congo, on Sunday (27). The information was confirmed by the Reuters news agency by city authorities. According to Jean Kato, an official of the Komanda administration, the faithful were participating in a mass when the rebels of the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) invaded the church carrying weapons and machetes. Christophe Munyanderu, a human rights activist present at the scene, said shots were heard at night, but people thought they were thieves. According to the Associated Press, Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, Congolese Army spokesman in the province, confirmed 10 dead in the attack. Local media states that the number of dead was greater than 40. Dieudonne Duranthabo, coordinator of civil society in Komanda, said there were at least 21 AP deaths: “More than 21 people were shot dead inside and out, and we recorded at least three charred bodies and several burnt houses. But the search continues.” A UN -supported radio station reported that 43 people were killed, citing security sources. The broadcaster stated that the attackers departed from a stronghold about 12 kilometers from the center of Komanda and fled before the security forces could arrive.

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