Rebels kill at least 38 in attack on eastern Congo villages

Rebels killed at least 38 people in an overnight attack on villages in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, two district officials and a civil society leader said yesterday, Report informs via Reuters.

Local civil society leader Justin Kavalami blamed members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) for the attack. The ADF, alleged to be behind another village assault that killed at least 16 people earlier this week, originates from neighboring Uganda.

Armed men used guns and machetes to attack residents of villages in Beni territory, in North Kivu province, overnight on Friday, local official Fabien Kakule told Reuters.

District official Leon Kakule Siviwe said the death toll stood at 38 and said the recent surge in violence was due to the attackers taking advantage of a low-security presence.