13 civilians killed in rebel attack in Democratic Republic of Congo

13 civilians have lost their lives in a rebel attack in the North Kivu province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to reports in the national press, members of the rebel group known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked civilians in the towns of Mulekera and Bungulu.

13 civilians lost their lives in the attack, during which the rebels looted and set fire to many homes.

Clashes between security forces and ADF members continue in the region.

At least 30 civilians have lost their lives in attacks by ADF members this month.

WHO ARE THE ADF?

The ADF, which began operating in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the late 1990s, was formed by the coming together of former members of movements such as the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU), the Uganda Muslim Liberation Army, and the Tablighi Jamaat.

It is stated that thousands of civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in ADF attacks since 2014.