Islamic State militants killed 62 Christians and burned 115 homes during a series of attacks in eastern Congo this week, according to the group's weekly publication Al Naba. The extremist group published a front-page photograph showing several of the murdered Christians alongside its report on the violence.
The group reported that its fighters in a Central African state intensified operations against Christians in the region. Among the 62 people killed were five local militiamen, while 10 other individuals were taken captive during the raids.
The violence displaced hundreds of residents and destroyed approximately 115 homes across multiple communities. Militants also targeted government security forces, wounding several Congolese soldiers and burning a military barracks.
Attacks in Ituri and Beni
According to the group's statement, a new wave of assaults focused primarily on the Ituri region. Two additional attacks were carried out in the Beni region of eastern Congo.
The publication noted that the jihadists boasted of their actions, which included killing soldiers assigned to protect local populations. The group described the Congolese forces as part of a crusader army in its official report.
Weekly reports of violence
Journalist J.M. Zuloaga, who has covered terrorism for more than 50 years, reported that similar accounts of violence in Congo appear on a weekly basis. Zuloaga noted that behind each human life lost is a family targeted for practicing a faith different from Islam.
Zuloaga stated that peaceful coexistence cannot be achieved without addressing the threat directly. He added that members of the Muslim community must work to end jihadist terrorism to protect future victims.
