GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — At least 60 people were killed in an overnight rebel attack in eastern Congo, an official said Tuesday, in the latest bout of deadly violence to strike the volatile region.
The casualty figure was provided by a local official and is preliminary, the official said, without identifying the suspected attackers or specifying the exact location of the assault. Authorities gave few further details as they worked to verify the toll and assess the needs of survivors.
Overnight raids by armed groups are a recurring feature of the long-running conflict in eastern DRC, which has involved numerous militias and rebel movements. Civilians have frequently borne the brunt of the fighting, facing killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment and displacement. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of unstable security conditions and severe humanitarian needs in parts of North Kivu, South Kivu and neighboring Ituri provinces.
The government and international partners have struggled to impose lasting security in the east, where porous borders, competition over land and natural resources, and weak state presence have enabled armed groups to operate. Previous large-scale attacks in the region have provoked mass displacement and hampered access for aid workers.
Officials did not immediately indicate whether national security forces or international missions had been able to mount a response to the overnight attack. Local health centers were often overwhelmed in past incidents, and authorities sometimes take days to confirm death tolls because of ongoing fighting and the remote locations of affected villages.
The latest incident comes amid calls from humanitarian organizations and some foreign governments for stronger protection of civilians and better access for relief operations. Past international efforts have included United Nations peacekeeping deployments and bilateral security assistance, but persistent violence has limited the effectiveness of some interventions.
Investigations into attacks in eastern DRC frequently face obstacles, including insecurity at sites, lack of forensic capacity and displaced populations. Humanitarian groups and rights organizations typically urge transparent probes and accountability for perpetrators to deter further atrocities.
Officials cautioned that the reported death toll could change as authorities and local leaders complete verification. The government has in past incidents promised investigations and reinforcements of security forces in affected areas.
The attack underscores the fragility of security in eastern Congo and the continuing humanitarian consequences for civilians caught in cycles of violence. International and local agencies continue to monitor developments and appeal for unfettered access to deliver assistance to those displaced or wounded in the fighting.