The United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday, decried a terrorist attack on a Catholic Church in Komanda, Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The attack, which resulted in the death of at least 34 people, occurred during the church’s vigil on Sunday.

The UAE, in a press statement by its foreign ministry, reiterated its opposition to all forms of violence and terrorism, which undermine social security and stability.

It commiserated with the families of the innocent victims, the government, and the citizens of the DRC.

The Congolese army spokesperson, Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, described the incident as a ‘massacre of great magnitude’, stating that the attack was perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Force, a rebel group, which has since continued to target residents in eastern Congo and Uganda’s borderline.

Mr Ngongo said, “This unspeakable tragedy occurred during a full-night vigil in a local church, where over forty civilians were surprised and slaughtered with machetes. Several others sustained serious injuries.”