Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants armed with machetes and hoes killed at least 52 civilians in a series of raids on villages in the Beni and Lubero territories of North Kivu province between 9 and 16 August, the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) said. Local officials told Reuters the rebels woke residents, bound them with ropes and then carried out the killings; roughly 30 of the victims were in the village of Melia. The death toll, which includes eight women and two children, could rise as search operations continue and more remote areas are reached. A regional army spokesman said the ADF assaults appeared to be retaliation for recent battlefield losses to Congolese and Ugandan forces, which have intensified joint operations against the group in the mineral-rich east. MONUSCO condemned the violence, noting additional reports of kidnappings, looting and the burning of homes and vehicles during the attacks.