Over 21 killed in church attack by ADF in eastern Congo

(Web Desk): More than 21 people were killed when members of the separatist armed group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked a Catholic church in the town of Komanda in eastern Congo. The attackers also set fire to several homes and shops, causing widespread panic.

According to a report by a US news agency, the ADF militants launched the attack around 1 p.m. local time.

Dieudonne Duranthabo, the civil society coordinator in Komanda, told the news agency that more than 21 people were shot inside and outside the church.

He added that several charred bodies have been recovered so far, and multiple homes were burned, although the search operation is still ongoing.

The Congolese army, stationed in the province, confirmed that 10 people had been killed in the attack.

Following the violence, many residents fled the area in fear, heading toward Bunia for safety.

A military spokesperson stated: "We are aware that armed individuals attacked a church today, killing 10 people and setting some shops on fire."

This is the second deadly incident by the ADF in the province this month. Earlier in July, the group carried out another massacre in Ituri Province, which was described as a "bloody slaughter" by a United Nations spokesperson.

The ADF is known to be affiliated with ISIS (Islamic State) and has carried out numerous attacks in the region over recent years.