Congo: Rebels kill at least 12 people in country's east

KINSHASA, Congo – A local right group says rebels have killed at least 12 people in attacks on villages in eastern Congo.

The Center of Study for the Promotion of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights, which tracks rebel violence, says the two attacks early Monday in villages in Beni territory have been carried out by the Allied Defense Forces, which has origins in neighboring Uganda.

The center's head, Omar Kavota, says that residents of Pene fled after rebels beheaded five inhabitants. He said the rebels attacked with machetes in Ntombi, killing at least seven people and injuring others. He said the rebels there looted the local health center, stole food and up to 40 goats.

The rebel group is one of many operating in eastern Congo.