Congo: At Least 19 Killed in Congo by Suspected Extremists

Rebels in eastern Congo killed at least 19 people and set fire to a health center and homes, according to authorities on Sunday.

Carly Nzanzu, the former governor of North Kivu province, said in an interview with state media that armed men suspected of belonging to the Allied Democratic Forces, a group with links to the Islamic State, attacked civilians in the town of Kirindera.

ADF attacks have killed dozens in several North Kivu villages in recent days. Congolese authorities say people were massacred with guns, knives, and machetes.

Aamaq, a news agency linked to the Islamic State group, published a statement on Saturday IS claimed responsibility for the killing of more than 35 "Christians" and the injuring of dozens in eastern Congo last week.

Conflict has raged for decades in eastern Congo, where more than 120 armed groups fight for power, influence, and resources, some to protect their communities. 

The ADF has been largely active in North Kivu province but has recently expanded its operations into neighboring Ituri province.

Efforts to stop violence against violence have not yielded much. A UN panel of experts concluded in a report released in December that the nearly year-long joint operation between the Ugandan and Congolese militaries had neither defeated nor significantly weakened the ADF.

The United Nations and human rights groups have accused the ADF rebels of mutilating, raping, and kidnapping civilians, including children. Earlier this month, the US offered a reward of up to $5 million for information that could lead to the capture of the group's leader, Seka Musa Baluku.