A deadly attack by Islamic State-affiliated rebels on a church compound in eastern Congo early Sunday has left at least 21 people dead, according to a local civil society representative.
The assault, carried out by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) around 1 a.m., took place on the grounds of a Catholic church in the town of Komanda. In addition to the killings, several homes and shops were set on fire.
"Over 21 people were shot dead both inside and outside the premises, and we’ve also found at least three burned bodies and numerous homes destroyed," said Dieudonne Duranthabo, a local civil society coordinator, speaking to The Associated Press. He added that search efforts are still ongoing.
The Congolese military spokesperson in Ituri province, where Komanda is located, confirmed that at least 10 people were killed in the incident.