<p>The Islamic State militant group on Monday claimed responsibility for a deadly attack that a UN mission said had killed at least 43 worshippers during a night mass at a church in eastern <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/congo">Congo</a>.</p><p>At dawn on Sunday, Islamic State-allied rebels stormed the church in Komanda, a village located around 75 kilometers from Ituri's provincial capital Bunia, killing people with guns and machetes and taking captives.</p><p>Islamic State said on its Telegram channel that rebels had killed some 45 churchgoers and burned dozens of homes and shops.</p>.Islamic state-backed rebels kill 38 in attack on east Congo church.<p>The UN mission known as MONUSCO said at least 43 people had been killed, including 19 women and nine children, while condemning the attack carried out by the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).</p><p>The ADF originates in neighbouring Uganda, but is now based in mineral-rich eastern Congo. It mounts frequent attacks, further destabilising a region where many militant groups compete for influence and resources.</p><p>Pope Leo on Monday sent a message of condolences to the bereaved families and the Christian community who lost their relatives and friends in the assault, saying he would pray for them.</p>
<p>The Islamic State militant group on Monday claimed responsibility for a deadly attack that a UN mission said had killed at least 43 worshippers during a night mass at a church in eastern <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/congo">Congo</a>.</p><p>At dawn on Sunday, Islamic State-allied rebels stormed the church in Komanda, a village located around 75 kilometers from Ituri's provincial capital Bunia, killing people with guns and machetes and taking captives.</p><p>Islamic State said on its Telegram channel that rebels had killed some 45 churchgoers and burned dozens of homes and shops.</p>.Islamic state-backed rebels kill 38 in attack on east Congo church.<p>The UN mission known as MONUSCO said at least 43 people had been killed, including 19 women and nine children, while condemning the attack carried out by the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).</p><p>The ADF originates in neighbouring Uganda, but is now based in mineral-rich eastern Congo. It mounts frequent attacks, further destabilising a region where many militant groups compete for influence and resources.</p><p>Pope Leo on Monday sent a message of condolences to the bereaved families and the Christian community who lost their relatives and friends in the assault, saying he would pray for them.</p>