Joint military operations involving the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces and Congolese Army eliminated 27 ADF militants and rescued 40 captives, primarily women and children, during a recent offensive in the Ituri province of the DRC. The operations also resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the ADF and the commitment of regional forces to restore peace.
In a comprehensive joint military operation, the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) successfully eliminated 27 members of the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) and rescued 40 captives, including a significant number of women and children. This operation, designated “Operation Shujaa,” was conducted in the regions of Biakato and Mambasa, located 67 kilometers northwest of Beni in the Ituri Province. Major Bilal Katamba, the spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, reported that the encounter led to the capture of critical equipment including nine firearms, several rounds of ammunition, and other military supplies. In the exchange, one soldier from the joint forces sustained a leg injury and is currently receiving treatment at UPDF Muhote Hospital. The rescued individuals predominantly originate from Busoga sub-region in Uganda, and it has been reported that the ADF remains affiliated with the Islamic State Of Central Africa Province (ISCAP).
The Allied Democratic Front (ADF) has long been recognized as a violent extremist group operating in the East African region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Originally formed in the 1980s, the group has engaged in brutal acts of violence and has established links with international terrorist organizations, notably ISIS. The ongoing military operations by Uganda and the DRC aim to dismantle ADF’s operations and reduce its influence in the region, as the group continues to pose a threat to regional stability and security. The joint offensive operations like “Operation Shujaa” symbolize enhanced military collaboration between the Ugandan and Congolese forces, intending to enhance the safety and security of civilians and thwart any further terrorist activities.
The successful execution of Operation Shujaa demonstrates the efficient collaboration between the Ugandan and Congolese military efforts against the ADF, resulting in significant losses for the terrorist group. The rescue of 40 captives is a significant humanitarian victory amidst the ongoing conflict. Such operations are essential not only for neutralizing militant threats but also for restoring peace and security in a region beset by violence and instability.
Original Source: www.newvision.co.ug
