The Allied Democratic Forces, ADF rebels, which the Islamic State group claims is its local affiliate, was killed by the DR Congo army on Tuesday, according to reports.
Of the more than 120 militias that prowl the unrest-plagued east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ADF is one of the most violent.
Numerous killings in the North Kivu and Ituri regions as well as bombings in Uganda last year have been attributed to the group.
In the North Kivu town of Beni, Captain Antony Mualushayi, a spokesman for the Congolese army, reported that on Tuesday, soldiers had killed 11 ADF rebels.
In Lubero territory in North Kivu the day before, soldiers had slain eight Mai-Mai Mazembe militia members. Mualushayi stated that two soldiers perished in such conflicts “on the field of honor.”
In the DRC, armed organisations that assert to speak for communities involved in interethnic conflicts are frequently referred to as “Mai-Mai.”
In an effort to quell the unrest, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi replaced the state servants in charge of North Kivu and Ituri with security personnel. However, rebel attacks on civilians have persisted.
Of the more than 120 militias that prowl the unrest-plagued east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ADF is one of the most violent.
Numerous murders in the North Kivu and Ituri regions as well as bombings in Uganda last year have been attributed to the group.
In an effort to quell the unrest, President Felix Tshisekedi replaced the state servants in charge of North Kivu and Ituri with security personnel.