Death toll from rebel attack in eastern DR Congo climbs to 15

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - The death toll from an attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo by suspected members of the Ugandan-based Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group rose to 15 on Thursday, local leaders said.

The attack took place Wednesday in North Kivu province in the town of Mangina, located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) southwest of the city of Beni. It was the second such attack since Ugandan and Congolese forces launched joint operations against the group.

“The updated provisional toll shows 15 deaths after more bodies were discovered. We condemn the attack and we advise residents to be vigilant,” said Freddy Mbayahi, the deputy mayor of Mangina.

On Thursday, business slowed due to the deterioration of the security situation in the region. Columns of displaced people were visible, with some heading to Beni.

Sources said the rebels also looted pharmacies and shops, making off with food items.

Civil society organizations said the population had been alerted three days earlier about the infiltration of rebels in the area, but this was a surprise attack.

Last month, Ugandan and Democratic Republic of Congo forces launched coordinated air and artillery operations against the Daesh/ISIS-affiliated militant group.

The Ugandan military has since moved into ground operations. The ADF is accused of causing mayhem in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and being responsible for recent bomb blasts in the Ugandan capital Kampala.