The Islamic State’s Central Africa Province (ISCAP) has launched a devastating attack on a gold mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a significant escalation in the group’s tactics. The assault on the Muchacha mine in Ituri province targeted a heavily guarded facility operated by a Chinese company and protected by Congolese government forces, according to reports gathered by Dalsan Media Group.

Witnesses say the militants killed at least seven soldiers in the initial assault, setting fire to buildings and equipment before seizing weapons stockpiled at the site. The attack represents the first time ISCAP has struck a large, well-defended industrial mine, a departure from previous operations that focused on smaller, privately-owned mining sites.

In a second attack on a nearby village, the militants killed 17 civilians, torched homes, and sent hundreds fleeing. Terrified workers, including foreign nationals, escaped by crossing the Ituri River in small boats.

Despite ongoing military operations aimed at weakening the group, analysts say the double assault demonstrates ISCAP’s continued ability to plan and execute large-scale attacks. The militants are also using modern technology such as GPS devices and drones to scout targets, while dense forest cover in the region helps them evade detection.

The raids have displaced scores of civilians and raised fresh concerns about security in mineral-rich eastern Congo, where armed groups often battle for control of resources. Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the latest violence.