At least 40 killed during Church attack in DRC

Fifteen others were injured during the attack allegedly carried out by members of the Allied Democratic Forces. The group wielded guns and machetes at the church, located in Komanda City, Ituri province, early on Sunday.

Formed in the 1990s by small groups in Uganda amid displeasure with President Yoweri Museveni's administration, the ADF is a rebel group operating in the border region between the DRC and Uganda. The members allegedly have ties with ISIS and have previously conducted attacks against civilians. During the recent attack, they clamped down on Catholic Christians who were attending a prayer vigil. The ADF's leadership says it is fighting to form a hardliner government in the East African country.

Al Jazeera reports that the violent attacks also included the torching of several nearby homes and shops. Many victims also remain missing after the attack.

Civil Society coordinator Dieudonne Duranthabo confirmed that a search for missing individuals continues. He added that some residents fled the area and moved to Bunia town.

"We are truly disappointed because it is incredible that such a situation could occur in a town where all the security officials are present," Duranthabo stated.

He demanded immediate military intervention. Meanwhile, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC has condemned the attacks.