27 killed by Mai Mai Simba militia in DR Congo

At least 27 people were killed and 60 others injured in an attack by the Mai Mai Simba militia in the northeastern province of Orientale in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), local sources reported on Sunday.The militia targeted bases of the DR Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) in Mambassa territory on Friday, killing 26 civilians and a FARDC captain, according to civil society sources in the region.General Jean-Claude Kifua, the commander of FARDCs 9th military region, did not give precise information on this attack, but said FARDC is tracking down the assailants in Mambassa territory. The Simbas are the ones who carried out the attack, he said, terming them as poachers and illegal exploiters of mineral resources in the area. The Mai Mai Simba militia are present in the southwestern part of Maiko national park. Their area of operation also includes Lubutu territory in Maniema province, where they have their headquarters. The ethnic composition of this militia group is mainly the Kumu tribe.Meanwhile the Democratic Republic of Congos Armed Forces (FARDC) regained control of almost all villages of the Masisi territory in the North Kivu province after attacks by soldiers who recently defected, the military said on Sunday. The territory was occupied by the soldiers, who were ex-rebels and integrated into the army but still loyal to General Bosco Ntanganda, the man being sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR C).