Rebel fighters kill at least 69 people in northeastern DR Congo

Armed rebels affiliated with the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) coalition have carried out attacks in several villages in Ituri province, killing at least 69 people, including 19 militia members and soldiers. The attacks followed an earlier assault by another armed group on positions held by the Congolese army. CODECO fighters launched retaliatory attacks, delaying the recovery of bodies for several days. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC strongly condemns the recent wave of deadly attacks targeting civilians in the restive east.