In brief
Over 30 people died when the Allied Democratic Forces allegedly struck Cantine, Beni territory, on Thursday night. The attack set fire to homes, took hostages and prompted a surge of security forces. The incident comes as the ADF, linked to the Islamic State, increases attacks across North Kivu and Ituri.
At least 30 people died after a suspected Allied Democratic Forces attack in Cantine, Beni territory, North Kivu Province, on the night of Thursday into Friday, 2026, according to Xinhua.
The death toll includes civilians, security personnel and civil society members. Several hostages were reportedly taken by the rebels as they withdrew from the area.
In the assault, assailants killed residents and set fire to several houses. Security sources in Beni said reinforcements had been deployed to the area, and search operations were underway to locate more victims.
The incident follows a surge of ADF attacks across North Kivu and Ituri and has prompted joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces since November 2021 to track down and neutralize the group. The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State, is a Ugandan rebel group operating in eastern DRC.
