Rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group, wielding machetes, killed more than 50 civilians at a funeral in eastern Congo, in the latest mass attack by the group backed by the Islamic State terrorist organization, officials said, according to Reuters.
The attack took place on Monday evening in the town of Ntojo, in Lubero territory in North Kivu province, said local administrator Makaire Sivikunula.
"I can confirm a provisional toll of 50 dead. The victims were found at a commemoration in the village of Ntoyo at around 21pm, and most of them were killed with machetes. The search continues," he said.
Colonel Alain Kivewa, the military administrator for the Lubero territory, told Reuters that the death toll was around 60 and could rise as there were still people missing.
The ADF is among several militias fighting for land and resources in mineral-rich eastern Congo.
The Congolese army and its ally Uganda said they had intensified operations against the ADF in recent weeks.
Last month, the ADF killed more than 50 civilians in multiple attacks, while in July, an ADF attack on a church killed 38 people.
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