Seven Killed in Suspected ADF Attack on Outskirts of Beni

Beni, North Kivu, July 14, 2026 - At least seven people, including four civilians and three soldiers, were killed in a predawn attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on the outskirts of Beni city in North Kivu, marking another deadly episode in the region's ongoing insecurity. The assault targeted the neighborhoods of Sayo and Matembo in Mulekera Commune during the early hours of Tuesday. According to local reports, four civilians were killed in the Mbutaba and Vuthala areas, where the attackers reportedly used bladed weapons during the assault. Several other civilians sustained injuries and were taken to nearby health facilities for treatment. Local volunteers recovered the victims' bodies, which were later transferred to the morgue pending burial. Community representatives credited the intervention of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) with preventing an even higher death toll, while urging residents to remain vigilant despite the heightened security response. The attack also targeted security forces. According to security sources, government troops were caught in an ambush during the operation, resulting in the deaths of at least three soldiers. The latest violence has triggered widespread panic across Sayo and neighboring communities. Fearing further attacks, many residents fled their homes, abandoning their belongings as they sought refuge in central Beni and other areas considered safer. The incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing the Beni region, where repeated attacks by armed groups continue to cause civilian casualties, population displacement, and heightened humanitarian concerns.