Dozens killed in attack on Catholic church in Congo

Militants from the Allied Democratic Forces early Sunday morning stormed a church in the north eastern city of Komanda, according to the United Nations. The Islamist extremists known as the ADF killed at least 43 people, including nine children, abducted several others, and burned homes and shops. The Congolese military said that ADF was spreading terror by attacking civilians. The group earlier this month carried out another attack in two eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo where they killed 82 civilians.

What do we know about the terrorist group? The ADF is affiliated with the so-called Islamic State terrorist group and operates along the DRC’s border with Uganda. The group has attacked Christians, United Nations peacekeeping forces, and other aid workers, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Congolese and Ugandan forces have struggled to contain the group, and the United Nations earlier this year condemned the ADF and similar groups for targeting Christians.

The Global Imams Council, which represents Muslims around the world, on Sunday condemned the attack and said targeting innocent people does not align with Islam.

Dig deeper: Read my report about 70 Christians who were found beheaded in the DRC earlier this year.