Militants allied with Daesh have killed at least 12 people in North Kivu province, eastern Congo, according to a local official.
The attacks occurred in several villages, escalating concerns about security in the region.
The Allied Democratic Forces, a militant group, attacked villagers in Mukonia on Saturday, as reported by the municipality’s mayor, Nicole Kikuku, on national television.
The situation remains tense as authorities respond.
The death toll may rise, with several villagers still missing, according to Mayor Kikuku.
The attacks highlight the increasing threat from the Allied Democratic Forces, notorious for previous massacres in the area.
Increased attacks from the ADF have been noted, including a June assault that killed at least 40 in North Kivu.
They are suspected of a 2022 massacre that killed 41, mainly students, in neighboring Uganda.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by violence for decades, with over 120 groups fighting for power, land, and minerals.
The conflict has displaced nearly 7 million people, challenging humanitarian efforts and straining resources.