(MENAFN) Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported Wednesday that M23 rebels killed more than 140 civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during July. The attacks occurred in at least 14 villages and farming areas near Virunga National Park between July 10 and 30.

“Credible reports indicate that the death toll in Rutshuru territory since July may exceed 300, representing some of the worst atrocities by M23 since its resurgence in late 2021,” HRW said. Victims included women, children, and local farmers killed in their homes, fields, and near the Rutshuru River.

Citing witnesses, UN sources, and military reports, the HRW study also alleged involvement of the Rwandan military in M23 operations. Clementine de Montjoye, senior Great Lakes researcher at HRW, said: “The M23 armed group, backed by the Rwandan government, attacked over a dozen villages in July, committing numerous summary executions of primarily Hutu civilians. Unless those responsible for these war crimes are properly investigated and punished, such atrocities are likely to continue.”

Rwanda had no immediate response to the allegations.

MENAFN20082025000045017281ID1109953053