Rebels kill at least 17 civilians in eastern Congo

KINSHASA, Congo – A Congo rights group that tracks rebel violence says that at least 17 civilians have been killed in the country's east.

The Center of Study for the Promotion of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights said Wednesday that witnesses said rebels went into Congo's northern Beni territory on Tuesday, attacking and killing at least 17 people, including 7 members of the same family. It said among those killed was the head of Mutsonge village.

It said the attacks were carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces, which has origins in neighboring Uganda and has staged many attacks in the area. The rebel group is one of many operating in eastern Congo.