10 killed in northeast Congo; Ugandan rebels blamed

GOMA, Congo – Authorities say at least 10 people have been killed in northeastern Congo by Ugandan rebels belonging to the group known as ADF.

Local administrator Amisi Kalonda said the violence took place overnight about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the town of Beni.

Military spokesman Capt. Mak Hazukay Mongba said there was an operation in the area as part of efforts to neutralize the rebel group but he declined to give a death toll.

Human Rights Watch says that ADF rebels have killed about 1,000 people in the Beni region over the last three years. The Congolese army has captured dozens of rebels including a dozen who were sentenced to death.

However, local human rights groups expressed frustration Sunday that ADF continues to mount attacks in the region.