'Six Dead in Christmas Tragedy: Suicide Bombing at Democratic Congo Restaurant'

"Security Guard Blocks Entry, Bomb Detonated at Entrance... Suspected Act by IS-Linked Group"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] On Christmas evening, a suicide bombing occurred at a restaurant in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), killing at least six people and causing more than 20 casualties. This area is known as a major hotspot for the radical armed group Islamic State (IS).

According to AP and AFP reports on the 25th (local time), a bomb exploded around 7 p.m. at a restaurant in the city of Beni in eastern DR Congo, followed immediately by loud gunfire. Panicked villagers fled toward the outskirts of the town.

General Sylvain Ekenji, spokesperson for North Kivu Province in DR Congo, stated that at least six people, including two government officials, were killed and 14 injured in the explosion. He explained, "The suicide bomber tried to enter the crowded restaurant, but when security personnel stopped him, he detonated the bomb at the entrance."

Rachel Magali, who was dining with her family at the restaurant at the time, told AP, "Suddenly, black smoke engulfed the restaurant and people started crying. We ran toward the exit and saw people lying with limbs severed." Photos showing the horrific scene of scattered plastic chairs and overturned tables after the explosion are spreading on social media.

Colonel Narcisse Muteba Kasale of the DR Congo army, responsible for security in Beni, said that at least two of the victims were children and added, "An investigation is underway to find the main perpetrator of this terrorist attack." Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson for the DR Congo government, confirmed via Twitter that the incident was caused by a suicide bombing, and General Sylvain claimed that the attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia linked to IS.

Beni is located near the Uganda border and is a frequent conflict zone between government forces and the ADF. In June, two bombings occurred here, with the ADF claiming responsibility. At the end of last month, the DR Congo and Ugandan armies jointly attacked four ADF camps, including the Beni area. The ADF is estimated to have killed more than 200 local residents this year alone.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.