Islamic State-Backed Rebels Attack Catholic Church in Congo, Killing 34

Islamic State-backed rebels launched a brutal attack on a Catholic church in eastern Congo, murdering at least 34 people, according to local authorities. The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in Komanda town, Ituri province, left the church scene littered with bodies, with volunteers preparing to bury the victims in a mass grave.
Several houses and shops in the area were also set ablaze during the raid. Video footage shared online showed the aftermath of the tragedy, with burning structures and victims’ bodies inside the church. Survivors and witnesses were left in shock, with some wailing over the loss of loved ones.
At least five additional people were killed in a separate attack on the nearby village of Machongani earlier in the day. Eastern Congo has faced relentless violence in recent years, with armed groups, including the ADF—a militant outfit with ties to the Islamic State—and Rwanda-backed rebels, frequently targeting civilians.
The attackers, who claim to follow the strict dictates of the Quran and Sunnah, have used their distorted interpretation of Islamic jihad theology to justify such acts of violence. Despite this, some continue to deny the role of Islamic extremism in inciting such attacks, falsely claiming that all religions are equally prone to fostering violence.
This latest atrocity underscores the urgent need to address the role of jihad theology in fueling global conflicts and to shine a light on the ongoing persecution of Christians and other minorities in regions like Africa.

Published: 7/27/2025