(MENAFN) More than 140 individuals were slain by M23 insurgents in eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo throughout July, according to a statement released Wednesday by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The killings were carried out in no fewer than 14 separate communities and agricultural zones close to Virunga National Park, situated in eastern Congo.

These incidents took place between July 10 and 30, the HRW report outlined.

“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 organization stated, emphasizing the gravity of the violence.

Among those murdered were civilians and agricultural workers, including women and minors, who were attacked in their homes, on farmlands, and near the banks of the Rutshuru River, according to the report.

Quoting testimony from eyewitnesses, along with information from the United Nations and military personnel, HRW noted that Rwandan forces were 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,” stated Clementine de Montjoye, the senior Great Lakes analyst at HRW.

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

At the time of reporting, Rwanda had not issued any official response to these allegations.

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