29 dead in DRC after Ugandan ADF rebels' new attack

At least 29 people were killed in a new attack by Ugandan rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) near Beni, in the Congolese province of North Kivu (east), local authorities confirmed Thursday.
   
According to the municipal government of Beni, at least 25 bodies of civilians were found in a village targeted by the attack carried out Wednesday, as well as those of four rebels killed by the army in the fighting.
   
It was also reported from a military source the disappearance of more than 50 civilians held hostage by the rebels who burned down several houses before being pushed back by the army. Sources said that the rebels would have captured several farmers in their field before executing them with knives.
   
Since last week, the ADF has already carried out more than four successive attacks in the same region against the civilians, including ambushes targeting goods transport vehicles on the road between Beni and the Ugandan border.
   
Active in this part of the country for decades, the ADF have increased their attacks since the beginning of this year on the territory of Beni, but also in part of the neighboring province of Ituri.