Two Tearfund aid workers were killed in an attack on their convoy in eastern Congo's North Kivu province, amid ongoing conflict with armed rebels seeking control of the region's resources.

Two staff members of the foreign aid organization Tearfund were tragically killed during an attack on their convoy in eastern Congo, as reported by the organization. The incident occurred on Sunday after their convoy had arrived in Butembo city, North Kivu province, amidst ongoing conflict between armed rebels and Congolese security forces, according to a statement released by Tearfund late Monday.

The perpetrators of the attack have not been identified yet. Eastern Congo, home to over 120 armed groups vying for control of the region's resources, frequently experiences violent incidents, including bombings targeting civilians. More than 170 security incidents have targeted humanitarian workers, resulting in at least four deaths and the abduction of over a dozen individuals, stated the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Congo on Tuesday, calling for enhanced protection for aid workers.

Bruno Lemarquis, the humanitarian coordinator for Congo, emphasized the unacceptable nature of attacks on those assisting affected populations amidst extensive humanitarian needs. The violence in North Kivu province has intensified recently, with clashes between security forces and rebels causing casualties, including mortar shelling that killed two individuals last week near a South African military base involved in regional peacekeeping efforts. Rebel groups, notably the M23 with purported ties to Rwanda, have seized control of strategic towns, resulting in roughly half of North Kivu province falling under their influence, noted Richard Moncrieff, Crisis Group's Great Lakes region director.