RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the criminal attack in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)province of Rutshuru, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has said more than a hundred civilians were killed last Tuesday in an alleged massacre committed by the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) in the town of Kisishe, Rutshuru province, in the east of the country. The president has declared three days of mourning in the country.

Local sources have raised the death toll to 122, according to Radio Okapi, including at least 64 people who were hiding in a church.

The Saudi ministry expressed the Kingdom's total rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism that are contrary to religious, moral, and humanitarian principles and values, stressing the Kingdom's stand and solidarity with the government and people of the Congo. The ministry also extended its sincere condolences to the families of the dead and wished speedy recovery for the injured. — SG/SPA