While most of the Islamic State’s operations have been based inside Beni territory of Congo’s North Kivu Province, it has steadily expanded into neighboring Ituri Province since June.
Both wings collectively represent the Islamic State’s Central African Province, which the UN recently noted as one of the Islamic State’s most ‘dependable’ affiliates.
The Islamic State has claimed at least nine attacks in the DRC since April.
The photos show more evidence of ties between militants in the DRC and the Islamic State.
Today’s claim marks the first time the Islamic State has claimed any activity in Central Africa.
The video reportedly shows a nascent Islamic State-loyal group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its authenticity cannot be independently verified by FDD’s Long War Journal.
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