Militant Attacks in Eastern Congo

Developing StoryLast updated MAY 24
SUMMARY

Militants linked to the Islamic State group killed at least 17 people in Alima village on May 19, 2026, amidst escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As of May 24, 2026: Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels have continued a surge of attacks, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths across Ituri province and North Kivu. Between May 11 and May 13, 2026, 179 civilians were killed in Ituri province, with another 70 deaths reported on April 28, 2026, and an attack on May 8, 2026, near the Ugandan border, resulted in at least 40 deaths. The U.S. Department of State has condemned these acts of violence, with Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos stating, "These acts of violence illustrate the seriousness of the threat posed by groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)." Amnesty International has accused the ADF of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Timeline

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May 2026 — 7 developments

  3. Militants linked to the Islamic State group have caused significant casualties in eastern Congo.

    Militants linked to the Islamic State group have caused significant casualties in eastern Congo. An attack in Beni Territory on May 5, 2026, claimed the lives of an estimated 60 "Christian combatants," according to ISCAP. Between May 11 and May 13, 2026, 179 civilians were killed in Ituri province, with 70 deaths reported on April 28, 2026.

  4. The U.S. Department of State has condemned a series of attacks by Islamic State-linked militants in …

    The U.S. Department of State has condemned a series of attacks by Islamic State-linked militants in eastern Congo that have resulted in significant civilian casualties. Senior advisor for Africa Massad Boulos stated that these acts of violence illustrate the seriousness of the threat posed by groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region and stands in solidarity with Christian communities.

  5. Islamic State-linked militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked villages near the Ugandan border on May 8, 2026.

    Islamic State-linked militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked villages near the Ugandan border on May 8, 2026. The assault resulted in at least 40 deaths, with reports of looting and homes being burned. This incident is part of a continuing wave of violence in the region.

  6. At least 22 civilians were killed in an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Beu Manyama, North Kivu province, on the night of May 6, 2026.

    At least 22 civilians were killed in an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Beu Manyama, North Kivu province, on the night of May 6, 2026. The ISIS-linked militants are suspected of using machetes in the assault. Amnesty International has accused the ADF of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

  7. Islamic State-linked ADF rebels killed at least 36 people in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo in early May 2026 during attacks on Biakato and four villages.

    Islamic State-linked ADF rebels killed at least 36 people in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo in early May 2026 during attacks on Biakato and four villages. Another report from early May states ADF militants killed at least 60 civilians in Ntoyo using machetes, axes, and firearms.

April 2026 — 4 developments

  1. Suspected ADF militants attacked near Mambasa town on April 5, 2026, setting houses ablaze, looting shops, and taking hostages.

    Suspected ADF militants attacked near Mambasa town on April 5, 2026, setting houses ablaze, looting shops, and taking hostages. An earlier attack in Bafwakoa village on April 1-2, 2026, resulted in at least 43 deaths, with some reports indicating up to 70, and ISIS claimed responsibility for an Easter Sunday attack in Mambasa territory, stating 60 Christian deaths.

  2. ISIS claimed responsibility on April 4, 2026, for an Easter attack in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stating that 60 Christians were killed in the village of Bafwakao.

    ISIS claimed responsibility on April 4, 2026, for an Easter attack in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stating that 60 Christians were killed in the village of Bafwakao. Congolese authorities confirmed an assault in the area and reported destruction of homes and vehicles.

  3. Islamic State-linked rebels, identified as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed at least 43 people in a raid on Bafwakao village, Ituri province, on April 2-3, 2026.

    Islamic State-linked rebels, identified as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed at least 43 people in a raid on Bafwakao village, Ituri province, on April 2-3, 2026. Bishop Melchisedec Sikuli Paluku called for peace and protection for vulnerable communities.

  4. Islamic State-linked militants, identified as ISCAP, attacked a Chinese-owned gold mine and a nearby village in Ituri Province in early April 2026.

    Islamic State-linked militants, identified as ISCAP, attacked a Chinese-owned gold mine and a nearby village in Ituri Province in early April 2026. The attack resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians and seven Congolese soldiers. This incident follows earlier attacks by the ADF in late January 2026, which killed at least 25 people.

March 2026 — 1 developments

  1. The Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia group attacked Ituri province on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, killing at least 25 people, including seven children.

    The Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia group attacked Ituri province on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, killing at least 25 people, including seven children. This attack is linked to broader militant activity by groups affiliated with the Islamic State in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

February 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Rebels backed by the Islamic State group, identified as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed a…

    Rebels backed by the Islamic State group, identified as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed at least 20 people in an attack on Mambimbi-Isigo village in North Kivu province over the weekend. The assault occurred early Saturday and caused mass displacement.

January 2026 — 4 developments

  1. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the beheading of five Christians in the Lubero District…

    The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the beheading of five Christians in the Lubero District of North Kivu, who were among at least 25 civilians murdered by Islamic State Central Africa Province fighters.

  2. An Islamic State-linked militant group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed at least 25 people in eastern Congo on January 26, 2026.

    An Islamic State-linked militant group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed at least 25 people in eastern Congo on January 26, 2026. According to a rights group, the victims included 15 men burned alive and seven shot in the village of Apakulu in Ituri province, with three others killed in the Walese Vonkutu administrative area.

  3. ADF rebels committed new massacres in North Kivu, terrorizing Musenge village since January 24, resulting in at least 25 deaths and the burning of numerous houses.

    ADF rebels committed new massacres in North Kivu, terrorizing Musenge village since January 24, resulting in at least 25 deaths and the burning of numerous houses.

August 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Suspected Islamist rebels kill at least 30 people in another incident in eastern Congo, underscoring the ongoing and widespread militant violence in the region.

    Suspected Islamist rebels kill at least 30 people in another incident in eastern Congo, underscoring the ongoing and widespread militant violence in the region.

July 2025 — 2 developments

February 2025 — 1 developments

January 2025 — 1 developments

  1. M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan forces, seize control of Goma, a critical city in eastern Congo, le…

    M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan forces, seize control of Goma, a critical city in eastern Congo, leading to widespread protests and accusations from the DRC foreign minister that Rwanda had declared war.

June 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Militants linked to the Islamic State group, identified as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), kille…

    Militants linked to the Islamic State group, identified as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed dozens of people in an attack on the village of Lume in eastern Congo on June 13, 2024. The ADF has been active in eastern Congo for decades, and despite joint operations by Congolese and Ugandan armies, the group's deadly attacks on civilians persist.

May 2024 — 1 developments

  1. The UN has reported a new wave of deadly attacks against civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    The UN has reported a new wave of deadly attacks against civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Over the past three days, at least 34 civilians have been killed in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Attacks in Ituri's Irumu and Mambasa regions killed at least 15 civilians, while an armed group attack near the border with Ituri in North Kivu's Oicha killed at least 19 civilians.

January 2024 — 1 developments

  1. MONUSCO pauses its planned end-of-year departure amid continued fighting and accusations between the…

    MONUSCO pauses its planned end-of-year departure amid continued fighting and accusations between the DRC and Rwanda regarding M23 support, while the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deploys troops to the area.

September 2023 — 1 developments

  1. President Tshisekedi requests an accelerated withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) due…

    President Tshisekedi requests an accelerated withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) due to its perceived ineffectiveness, as the number of internally displaced people in the DRC reaches a record high of 6.9 million.

March 2022 — 1 developments

  1. Remnants of the M23 rebel group launch a new campaign in eastern Congo, prompting the deployment of …

    Remnants of the M23 rebel group launch a new campaign in eastern Congo, prompting the deployment of an East African Community (EAC) multinational intervention force and leading to protests against the UN mission's perceived failure to protect civilians.

April 2021 — 1 developments

  1. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi imposes martial law in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces in respon…

    Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi imposes martial law in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces in response to escalating violence, which included the killing of an Italian ambassador and protests against UN peacekeepers.

February 2013 — 1 developments

  1. A new peace accord is reached following the M23 crisis, but thousands of fighters from various local…

    A new peace accord is reached following the M23 crisis, but thousands of fighters from various local militias and Rwandan Hutu forces continue to operate in eastern Congo with near impunity, indicating the persistent nature of the conflict.

January 1996 — 1 developments

  1. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgency begins, initially operating in western Uganda before expanding into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgency begins, initially operating in western Uganda before expanding into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).