In a tragic incident in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebels associated with the Islamic State group have allegedly killed 66 people in a brutal attack on civilians in the region of Irumu. Local officials reported that fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist group with links to IS, carried out the attack, highlighting the ongoing violence that plagues the region. The attack occurred near the borders with Uganda, a country that is also grappling with the security issues posed by the ADF and other militant groups.

Jean Tobie Okala, a spokesperson for the United Nations mission in Ituri, referred to the incident as a "bloodbath," emphasizing the severe humanitarian implications of such violence. The reported kill count has fluctuated, with local civil society groups initially estimating around 31 fatalities, only for that figure to be updated to 66. This reflects the challenges of bringing accurate information from conflict zones, as the situation remains fluid and precarious.

This attack occurs at a sensitive time as eastern Congo prepares to potentially end its conflicts with M23, another rebel faction supported by neighboring Rwanda. The intersection of various armed groups, exacerbated by external influences, continues to destabilize the region and poses significant threats to peace and security. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, where civilian lives are increasingly endangered by the ongoing conflict and militant activities.