At least 42 people reported killed by rebels in Congo's east

 A rebel group in eastern Congo's Ituri province killed at least 42 people Friday, according to a civil society organization.

Three towns in Djugu territory were attacked by CODECO militia group, said Dieudonne Lossa, president of organization in Banyari Kilo, area where attacks took place.

"y burned down several homes. re are also seven people wounded who have not been assisted yet,” Lossa said.

army confirmed attack to local media Friday and said it was searching for perpetrators.

Fighting between CODECO, a loose association of various ethnic Lendu militia groups, and Zaire, a mainly ethnic Hema self-defense group, has been ongoing since 2017 but worsened recently.

CODECO fighters killed at least 32 civilians in February, local officials said. In December, United Nations said insurgent group was expanding its areas of control, attacking civilians and members of Congo’s military, and taxing communities in areas that it holds.

killings come amid surging violence across eastern Congo, where conflict has simmered for deces. region has more than 120 armed groups, most fighting for land and control of mines with valuable minerals, and some trying to protect ir communities.