Islamic State-backed rebels have killed nearly 40 people during an attack on a church in eastern Congo. LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nearly 40 people were killed Sunday in eastern Congo's Ituri province when rebels stormed a Catholic church during a vigil and opened fire on worshippers, including many women and children.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Monday for a deadly attack on a church in the northeast of Democratic Republic of Congo, it said on its channel on Telegram. City officials had said Islamic State-backed rebels were responsible for killing 38 people on Sunday in the assault on the Komanda church.