Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published November 7, 2026
At least 33 civilians were killed in an overnight militant attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local authorities and civil society representatives. The attack occurred late Thursday, November 5, in the Beni territory of North Kivu province, with reports emerging on Friday, November 6.
The attackers were suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group with links to the Islamic State organization. The group has operated in eastern Congo for years and has repeatedly been accused of attacking civilian communities.
According to local civil society representatives, at least 33 bodies were recovered following the assault. Many victims reportedly suffered gunshot wounds, while others were killed with machetes or burned. More than 50 houses were also set on fire, alongside other property damage.
Beni territorial administrator Charles Omeonga said the attackers targeted several areas, including Lubumbashi, Kananga and Yambi-Yaya. Residents fled their homes as the assailants moved toward nearby forest areas.
The violence also disrupted medical services in the affected community. A health facility was reportedly set on fire during the attack, while patients from a nearby hospital were forced to evacuate. Among those affected were individuals with suspected or confirmed Ebola infections.
Christian Kakule, medical director of the Kelekele Hospital Center in Cantine, told the Associated Press that approximately 180 patients had fled the facility. The displacement raised concerns among health workers because people being monitored for possible Ebola infections were no longer in a controlled medical environment.
North Kivu is among the areas affected by an ongoing outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease, a rare form of Ebola. The outbreak has placed additional pressure on local healthcare services, particularly in communities already affected by armed conflict and limited access to medical assistance.
The Allied Democratic Forces originated in Uganda and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2019. The organization has continued to operate along the Uganda-Congo border, carrying out attacks against civilians and security forces.
Congolese security forces have conducted operations against the group, including joint military operations with Ugandan forces. However, armed violence continues to affect several parts of eastern Congo.
Authorities and local organizations have reported significant destruction following the latest attack. Further investigations are expected to establish the full extent of the casualties and damage.
