In a shocking attack in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), militants affiliated with the Islamic State have killed dozens, including approximately 20 worshippers attending a nighttime vigil at a church in the town of Komanda. Local officials report the attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group originally from Uganda that has now become part of the Islamic State's Central African Province.

The violence doesn't stop there; nearby businesses were also looted and set ablaze during the assault. The ADF has a lengthy history of violence, claiming to protect Muslims from persecution in Uganda, but now indiscriminately targets civilians across both Uganda and DRC.

Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society leader in Komanda, cautioned that the search for additional victims is ongoing, mentioning more than 21 fatalities both in and around the church, along with reports of three charred bodies. Local priest Father Aime Lokana Dhego reported at least 31 members of the Eucharistic Crusade movement among the dead, with additional injuries and missing young people. While some officials confirm a lower death toll, estimates point to at least 43 fatalities.

The DRC has struggled with violence from various armed groups for many years, particularly in the mineral-rich Ituri province. Despite inviting Ugandan troops in 2021 to help combat the ADF, the attacks have persisted, underlining the ongoing instability in the region and the persistent threat posed by extremist groups.