KEY POINTS
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ADF militants killed at least 33 civilians in Cantine-Aloya, eastern Congo.
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The attackers burned homes and a health centre, forcing Ebola patients to flee.
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The assault has raised concerns about the disruption of Ebola treatment and disease-control efforts.
At least 33 civilians have been killed after Islamist militants attacked communities in Cantine-Aloya, North Kivu province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), forcing residents, including patients receiving treatment for Ebola, to flee.
The attack was carried out overnight between Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6, by fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked to the Islamic State.
The militants reportedly set fire to homes, a health centre and other buildings during the assault, triggering panic and displacing residents from the affected communities.
Ebola Patients Forced to Leave Health Centre
The destruction of the health facility forced Ebola patients to flee, raising concerns about the disruption of medical care and the risk of further transmission of the disease.
The incident is particularly concerning because Ebola treatment centres play an important role in isolating infected patients, providing medical support and limiting the spread of the virus.
The evacuation of patients amid an armed attack could complicate efforts by health workers to monitor cases, maintain treatment and trace people who may have been exposed to the disease.
However, the report did not provide details on the number of Ebola patients who fled, their current whereabouts or whether any had been safely transferred to another treatment facility.
Attack Adds to Insecurity in Eastern Congo
The Allied Democratic Forces is an armed group operating mainly in eastern DRC and is affiliated with Islamic State. It has carried out repeated attacks against civilians in the region, particularly in North Kivu and neighbouring areas.
The latest assault involved attacks on residential buildings and a health facility, leaving communities facing both the immediate humanitarian consequences of the killings and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
The deaths and displacement also underscore the challenges facing humanitarian and public health operations in areas where armed groups remain active.
The Reuters report did not establish the motive behind the latest attack or provide details of any military response by Congolese security forces.
