Militant Attacks in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels killed at least 19 people in recent weeks in Mununzi and Njiapanda-Bela, and 16 people in Mambasa territory, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with attacks continuing as of July 25, 2026. As of July 25, 2026, search operations for victims of a July 23 attack are suspended due to the ongoing presence of armed assailants. The ADF, affiliated with ISIS, also killed at least 16 civilians in Mandeite village and 20 people in Mambimbi-Isigo village on July 24, 2026, following a pattern of intensified operations in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. In June 2026, the group killed 62 civilians, kidnapped 57 others, and beheaded 14 Christians in Mungbere village, marking the first known instance of ISCAP targeting Christians in Haut-Uélé province. These attacks have caused widespread displacement and fears of hunger, with fields left unharvested and houses burned.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
August 2026 — 1 developments
ADF Rebels Kill Dozens in New Attacks in Eastern DRC Mining Sites and Villages
Suspected ADF raids in Mambasa reportedly killed at least 27 civilians and left 11 missing in late July 2026. Weeks prior, militants killed more than 20 people in Mbau, North Kivu province. In April 2026, the Congolese Army confirmed another 43 deaths in Mambasa.
July 2026 — 4 developments
ADF Rebels Kill Dozens in New Attacks in Eastern DRC Mining Sites and Villages
The ADF attacked a mining site near the North Kivu and Ituri provinces border, killing victims with machetes while their hands were tied. At least 19 people have been killed in recent weeks in Mununzi and Njiapanda-Bela. Separately, an attack on July 23, 2026, in the Mambasa territory resulted in at least 16 deaths, with search operations suspended due to the ongoing presence of armed assailants.
ADF Rebels Kill Dozens in Eastern DRC Attacks; June Saw 62 Deaths
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, affiliated with ISIS, killed at least 16 civilians in an attack on Mandeite village in Ituri province. In a separate incident, rebels linked to the Islamic State group killed at least 20 people in Mambimbi-Isigo village in North Kivu province. In June 2026, ADF rebels killed 62 civilians and kidnapped 57 others.
ADF Rebels Kill At Least 16 in Attack on Eastern DRC Villages
Rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked the villages of Mandeite and Ndiapanda in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on July 22, 2026. At least 16 people were killed in the assault, and search operations were suspended due to the continued presence of armed assailants.
Jihadist Attacks Kill at Least 20 in Eastern Congo's Beni Territory
At least 20 people were killed in three separate jihadist attacks in the Beni territory of North Kivu between July 12 and July 15, 2026. The assaults targeted areas west of Beni city and the town of Mangina, resulting in civilian and soldier deaths. These incidents occurred after earlier rebel attacks in June that killed over 30 people.
June 2026 — 13 developments
ISCAP militants behead 14 Christians in eastern DRC, first known targeting of Christians in Haut-Uélé
Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) militants beheaded 14 Christians in two separate attacks in Mungbere village, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on June 24, 2026. This marks the first known instance of ISCAP targeting Christians in Haut-Uélé province. Earlier in June, ISCAP fighters also burned down 80 Christian homes in the same province.
ISCAP militants attack Eastern Congo, forcing mass displacement and creating humanitarian crisis
Islamic State-linked militants have attacked Eastern Congo in the past seven days, causing dozens of villages to be abandoned in the northeastern Upper Uele Province. Missionaries reported that hundreds have fled their homes, creating a new humanitarian crisis as cities are unprepared for the influx of internally displaced people. Fields ready for harvest have been left behind, cattle lost, and houses set ablaze, leading to fears of widespread hunger.
Islamic State-linked militants attack Beni city, shift tactics in eastern Congo
ISCAP-linked rebels attacked the city of Beni in early June 2026, marking the first time the ADF had entered the city in over three years. Analysts note a shift in tactics, including attacks on fortified mining facilities, as the group intensifies operations in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
ISCAP Raids Christian Villages and Army Positions in Eastern Congo
ISCAP militants raided Christian villages and attacked Congolese Army positions in Beni, North Kivu, on June 19, 2026. The group also killed five civilians in Kididiwe on June 12, 2026.
ADF Rebels Kill 5 Civilians in Eastern DRC Attack
Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters attacked a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on June 13, 2026, killing five civilians and leaving several others missing. The ADF is affiliated with the ISIS militant organization.
Militants kill 16 in eastern Congo after joint army operation
Islamic State-linked militants killed 16 people in North Kivu province late Tuesday, following a joint operation by Congolese and Ugandan armies targeting the group. Earlier in May, at least 22 civilians were killed in the town of Beu Manyama in a suspected ADF attack, and in early May, the ADF attacked villages near the Uganda border, killing at least 40 people.
Islamic State-Linked Rebels Kill Over 30 in Eastern Congo Attacks on June 4
Rebel attacks around Beni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 4, 2026, left over 30 people dead, complicating disease response efforts. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia affiliated with the Islamic State, were blamed for raids on villages where they beheaded victims, shot others, and kidnapped civilians. The ADF has its origins in Uganda and has been operating in eastern Congo for decades.
ISCAP Releases Photos of Indoctrinated Children Amid Attacks in Eastern Congo
Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) has released photos of indoctrinated children in eastern DRC, signaling a new tactic in their operations. This development follows recent attacks, including one on May 31, 2026, where 16 people were killed in Beni, North Kivu.
ADF Rebels Kill Over 40 Civilians in Eastern Congo, Hinder Ebola Response
Armed groups linked to the Islamic State killed at least 40 civilians in North Kivu province between May 30 and June 6, 2026. The escalating violence is severely hindering efforts to contain an ongoing Ebola outbreak by restricting humanitarian access.
Militants Kill at Least 10 in Eastern Congo Villages
Islamic State-linked ADF rebels killed at least 10 people in raids on three villages near Beni in North Kivu on June 3, 2026. This follows an attack on Mbau village on June 2, where at least 24 Christians were killed.
Militants Kill 16 Civilians in Eastern Congo Amid Ebola Outbreak; Bahrain Condemns Attack
Islamic State-linked militants killed 16 civilians in Mbau, North Kivu, on June 2, 2026. This attack complicates efforts to contain an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. Bahrain has condemned the violence, and a humanitarian appeal has been launched for affected children.
ISCAP Claims Responsibility for Killing of 57 Christians in Eastern Congo
ISCAP claimed responsibility for the killing of 57 Christians in the Beni region of North Kivu around May 31, 2026. This includes the execution of 16 individuals in Mayangose village on that day and 10 others killed the previous day. Clashes broke out in late May after an attack by Islamic State-linked rebels killed at least seven people near Beni.
Islamic State-linked rebels kill 7 in eastern Congo attack
Islamic State-linked rebels attacked near Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 1, 2026, killing at least seven people, including six civilians and one soldier. Local residents protested the Congolese army's slow response to the incident.
May 2026 — 10 developments
Islamic State-linked ADF militants shift tactics, attack security forces in eastern Congo
Islamic State-linked ADF militants are showing an increased willingness to attack security forces directly, a shift from previous tactics. Recent activities include a March 2026 attack on a Chinese-owned mining site, and the group has pushed its operations northward into Haut-Uélé Province.
Vera C. Rubin Observatory Begins Issuing Scientific Alerts and Discovering Asteroids
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun issuing scientific alerts, a significant advancement in real-time astronomical observation, starting in late February 2026. This new system is designed to generate up to seven million alerts per night, signaling changes in the night sky. During its initial testing phases, the observatory has already discovered over 11,000 new asteroids.
Islamic State claims attack on Congo army base, killing 20 soldiers
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an attack on a Congolese army base in North Kivu province, stating its fighters killed 20 soldiers and seized weapons and ammunition. This incident marks a shift in the militants' targeting of security forces in addition to civilians.
Militants Kill 17 in New Attack in Eastern Congo
Militants linked to the Islamic State group killed at least 17 people in Alima village on May 19, 2026, amidst escalating violence in eastern DRC.
ADF Rebels Kill 17 Civilians in Eastern Congo Attack
ADF rebels killed at least 17 civilians in an attack in Ituri province in mid-May 2026, setting houses ablaze and causing panic. This incident is part of a surge in ADF activity in eastern Congo.
ISIS-linked militants kill hundreds in eastern Congo attacks
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.
US Condemns Attacks in Eastern Congo, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
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.
ISIS-linked ADF militants kill dozens in new eastern Congo attacks
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.
ADF Attack Kills 22 Civilians in Eastern DRC
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.
Islamic State-linked rebels kill at least 36 in eastern Congo attacks
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
Suspected ADF militants attack near Mambasa, setting houses ablaze 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.
ISIS claims responsibility for Easter attack in DRC, killing 60 Christians
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.
ADF rebels kill 43 in Bafwakao village raid, Bishop Paluku calls for peace
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.
ISIS-linked militants attack gold mine in eastern Congo, killing 24
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
CODECO Militia Kills 25, Including Seven Children, in Ituri Province Attack
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
ADF Rebels Kill 20 in North Kivu Village Attack, Causing Displacement
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
Islamic State claims beheading of five Christians in North Kivu, among 25 civilians killed
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.
ADF militants kill at least 25 in eastern Congo attacks
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.
ADF rebels massacre 25 in North Kivu's Musenge village, burning homes
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 kills 14-15 in coordinated attack on three villages in North Kivu/Lubero
The Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out a coordinated attack on three villages in North Kivu/Lubero territory on January 2-3, 2026, killing at least 14 to 15 people.
August 2025 — 2 developments
Suspected Islamist Rebels Kill 30 in Eastern Congo
Suspected Islamist rebels kill at least 30 people in another incident in eastern Congo, underscoring the ongoing and widespread militant violence in the region.
ADF kills three in overnight attack in Idohu, Ituri province
At least three people are killed in an overnight attack by the ADF in Idohu, Ituri province, just days after the deadly Komanda church attack, indicating persistent militant activity.
July 2025 — 2 developments
ADF attacks church in Komanda, Ituri, killing at least 38 worshippers
The ADF attacks a church in Komanda, Ituri province, killing at least 38 worshippers in a significant act of violence against civilians.
ADF kills 66 civilians in Ituri province attack
The ADF kills 66 civilians in an attack in the Walese Vonkutu chiefdom, Ituri province, highlighting the group's continued brutality.
February 2025 — 1 developments
ADF militants abduct and behead at least 70 Christian civilians in Kasanga massacre
ADF militants carry out the Kasanga massacre, abducting and beheading at least 70 Christian civilians in Kasanga, North Kivu.
January 2025 — 1 developments
M23 Rebels, Supported by Rwandan Forces, Seize Control of Goma in Eastern Congo
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
ADF Rebels Kill Dozens in Attack on Eastern Congo Village
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
UN Reports New Wave of Deadly Attacks on Civilians in Eastern 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
MONUSCO pauses withdrawal as SADC deploys troops amid DRC-Rwanda tensions
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
President Tshisekedi requests accelerated UN mission withdrawal amid record displacement in DRC
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
M23 Rebels Launch New Campaign in Eastern Congo, Prompting EAC Deployment and UN Protests
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
Congolese President Tshisekedi imposes martial law in North Kivu and Ituri
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
New peace accord reached after M23 crisis, but militias and Rwandan Hutu forces persist in eastern Congo
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
Allied Democratic Forces insurgency begins in western Uganda
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgency begins, initially operating in western Uganda before expanding into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).