The rebel organization ADF (allied Democratic Forces) associated with the Islamic State in Eastern Congo did on a Catholic Church. According to Al Jazeera’s report, the attack took place in Komanda city of Uturi province at 1 am on Sunday (27 July 2025), in which 38 people were killed and several houses and shops were set on fire.
According to local civil society coordinator Duranthabo, the bodies are still lying on the spot and the mass grave is being excavated so that the victims can be buried in the church premises. A video related to the attack is also becoming increasingly viral on social media, in which the bodies scattered on the church, the bodies scattered on the floor are visible. The families of the dead are in great grief due to this attack. Earlier, a similar attack occurred in Machongani village in which at least 5 people were killed.
ADF’s bloody history with Islamic State
ADF, ie Allid Democratic Force, is originally an armed group established in Uganda in the late 1990s. It originated from dissatisfaction that was against the then President Yovery Museveni. After the action of the Uganda Army in 2002, ADF started its activities in Congo. In 2019, the group officially took an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State. Since then, ADF has killed thousands of innocent civilians and has made Eastern Congo a stronghold of terror.
How many were killed in the attack? Statistics still incompatible
After this horrific incident, the difference in numbers is being seen. Congo Army spokesman Lt Jules Nagongo has confirmed 10 deaths. At the same time, according to the report of United Nations -backed Radio Okapi, at least 43 people have been killed. According to local activists, the actual figure can be more than 34. The attackers came from the stronghold of ADF, 12 km from Komanda and escaped before the security forces arrived.
Big question on the safety of citizens
Citizen leader Duranthabo questioned the failure of the administration and the army and said that this city is where all the security forces are present, yet such a massacre happened. He demanded immediate military intervention and warned that more enemies are still very close to our city. Eastern Congo is already struggling with M33 rebel, Rwanda -backed rebellion and ADF terrorism. This attack also indicates the failed security system of the region.
Also read: Iran-Israel Tension: ‘Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei will have personal loss if this work will not stop …’ Israel’s big threat