Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels with machetes and guns killed more than 50 civilians at a funeral in east Congo, the latest big attack by the Islamic State-linked group, officials said.

The ADF assault took place on Monday night in the town of Ntoyo in North Kivu province's Lubero territory, said Macaire Sivikunula, a local administrator.

"I can confirm a provisional death toll of 50. The victims were caught off guard at a mourning ceremony in the village of Ntoyo at around 9 p.m. [local time], and most of them were killed with machetes," he said. "The search is continuing."

The ADF started as an uprising in Uganda but has been based in neighbouring Congo since the late 1990s, recognized by the Islamic State militant group as an affiliate.

A rise in attacks

A recent flurry of AD

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