Human Rights Watch has reported that fighters from the M23 armed group killed at least 140 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July, with the toll possibly exceeding 300.
The group allegedly carried out attacks in at least 14 villages near Virunga National Park between July 10 and 30, using both gunfire and machetes.
Witnesses described entire families being killed, with some victims thrown into the Rutshuru River.
Residents were blocked from fleeing the area, while others were forced to bury bodies quickly or leave them exposed.
Many of the victims were women and children from the Hutu community.
The killings reportedly took place during operations against the Hutu-led FDLR, a group formed by individuals involved in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide.
The report also linked Rwanda’s army to the attacks, claims that Kigali has strongly rejected.
These events come as peace efforts face major setbacks. A ceasefire signed last month between the Congolese government and M23 in Qatar has already collapsed, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
The UN has urged further action, warning that ongoing fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands and continues to endanger civilians.