“Nothing will deter MONUSCO from its purpose to neutralise all armed groups terrorising the population,” said Mission chief, Martin Kobler, who is also the Secretary-General's Special Representative in the country. “We will support the Congolese authorities to ensure that everything is done to prosecute the perpetrators of these atrocious killings and bring them to justice.”

Civilians in the village of Mayangose-Kibidiwe, northeast of Beni, were attacked with machetes, Mr. Kobler said, adding that elements of MONUSCO, the DRC's armed forces (FARDC) and the national police were dispatched to the site and an investigation was launched.

Mr. Kobler also referred to a separate attack in Kasu, in Eastern Province, where several villagers were beheaded by people from outside.

“We will continue our active support for security operations by the FARDC, so tranquillity can return to Beni and throughout eastern DRC,” he said.