On 1 September 2021, suspected Islamist militants ambushed a civilian convoy under military escort near Ofaye village in Ituri province. According to local officials, at least five civilians were killed and dozens more were kidnapped during the attack. The military has since freed more than 50 of the approximately 80 individuals the rebels abducted. The convoy of about 100 vehicles was traveling between the cities of Beni and Butembo. While no group has thus far claimed responsibility for the attack, local sources allege that Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels perpetrated the ambush.
Analyst comment: In May 2021, the government imposed a state of siege in Ituri and North Kivu provinces to counter the increasing activities of Islamist insurgents in eastern DRC. However, attacks have since increased in both scale and severity.