Church bomb in Congo kills 14, injures dozens

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More than 120 rebel and military groups are active in the region. Associated Press/Photo by Ben Curtis

Church bomb in Congo kills 14, injures dozens

At least 14 people died and more than three dozen sustained injuries from a bombing Sunday at a Pentecostal church in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attack in the town of Kasindi. Congolese military spokesman Anthony Mwalushayi said a man found at the scene has been detained. Injured churchgoers were evacuated by U.N. peacekeeping forces to a nearby hospital for treatment.

What is the history of violence in this region? More than 120 armed groups and militias have been fighting for land and power in eastern Congo for decades. One rebel organization called the Allied Democratic Forces, which is believed to have ties to the Islamic State, has carried out several attacks in Kasindi and other eastern cities.

Dig deeper: Read Onize Ohikere’s report in World Tour about how residents of eastern Congo are praying for peace.

Lauren Canterberry

Lauren Canterberry is a reporter for WORLD. She graduated from the World Journalism Institute and the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, both in 2017. She worked as a local reporter in Texas and now lives in Georgia with her husband.