Deadly Militia Attack in Western Congo Leaves 72 Dead

At least 72 people, including nine soldiers and a soldier's wife, were killed in a militia attack on the village of Kinsele in western Congo. The attack is part of ongoing violence between the Teke and Yaka communities in the Kwamouth territory, which has seen continued conflict over land and customary claims.

At least 72 people, including nine soldiers and a soldier's wife, were killed when armed men attacked a village in western Congo, local authorities reported, signaling a rise in violence between rival communities.

The attack occurred on Saturday in Kinsele village, roughly 100 kilometers east of Kinshasa, the capital. Due to regional insecurity and inadequate infrastructure, such attacks often go unreported for days.

Kinsele is located in the Kwamouth territory, where a two-year conflict between the Teke and Yaka communities has led to hundreds of civilian casualties. The assailants belonged to the Mobondo militia, which claims to defend the Yaka people.

(With inputs from agencies.)