Islamist militants force Ebola patients to flee in deadly DRC raid

Islamist militants attacked a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday, forcing patients at a nearby hospital to flee, including one confirmed Ebola case and five suspected infections, authorities said on Friday.

Fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) raided Cantine-Aloya in North Kivu province, setting fire to a health post and several homes.

At least 33 civilians were killed, according to a local civil society leader. Some victims had gunshot wounds, while others were burned or hacked to death with machetes.

Among those who fled the hospital were three high-risk contacts, according to its medical director, Christian Kakule Vulembera.

The attack comes as the DRC battles an Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus. North Kivu currently accounts for around half of the country's new infections.

The country has recorded more than 10,000 confirmed cases and 5,000 deaths. The outbreak has placed additional pressure on healthcare services in affected areas.

The ADF is an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State. Insecurity in eastern DRC has repeatedly disrupted humanitarian and healthcare operations.