(MENAFN) More than 140 civilians were killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo last month by the M23 rebel group, according to a damning report released Wednesday by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report warns the death toll may exceed 300, marking one of the deadliest campaigns since the group’s resurgence in 2021.

The atrocities occurred between July 10 and 30, across at least 14 villages and agricultural zones near Virunga National Park in Rutshuru territory, HRW said.

“Credible reports indicate the number of people killed in Rutshuru territory since July may exceed 300, among the worst atrocities by the M23 since its resurgence in late 2021,” the rights group stated.

Victims included men, women, and children, many of whom were attacked in their homes, fields, or near the Rutshuru River, the report detailed.

Citing accounts from witnesses, UN officials, and military sources, HRW alleged that the Rwandan military was also "involved in the M23 operations."

“The M23 armed group, which has Rwandan government backing, attacked over a dozen villages and farming areas in July and committed dozens of summary executions of primarily Hutu civilians,” said Clementine de Montjoye, senior Great Lakes researcher at HRW.

“Unless those responsible for these war crimes, including at the highest levels, are appropriately investigated and punished, these atrocities will only intensify.”

The government of Rwanda has not yet responded to the allegations.

HRW said its findings are based on interviews with 36 individuals, including 25 eyewitnesses, along with local activists, healthcare workers, members of the Congolese military, and UN personnel. The group also reviewed video evidence and photographs from the scene.

This report emerges as diplomatic efforts to reach a peace agreement between the Congolese government and M23 remain stalled. A Qatar-mediated deal had set August 18 as a deadline, but no resolution has been announced.

MENAFN20082025000045017169ID1109952084