In a joint military offensive dubbed Operation Shujaa, the Ugandan and Congolese armies have killed 27 ADF militants and rescued 40 captives. The operation took place near Biakato and Mambasa, resulting in the recovery of nine firearms and various ammunition. One soldier was injured, with most liberated captives being women and children from Uganda, emphasizing regional cooperation against terrorism.
The joint military operation involving the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) has successfully neutralized 27 combatants of the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) during a recent confrontation in Biakato and Mambasa, located 67 kilometers northwest of Beni in the Ituri province. In this offensive, designated as Operation Shujaa, the forces also liberated 40 individuals who had been held captive by the insurgents and seized nine firearms alongside a significant cache of ammunition. Major Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division, confirmed that several ADF members were injured in the skirmish that occurred on September 24, providing insights into the operational success. The recovered munitions included eight sub-machine guns, a PK machine gun, multiple communication devices, and a variety of ammunition, as well as medical supplies. A soldier from the joint forces sustained a leg injury and is currently receiving treatment at the UPDF Muhote Hospital. Most of the rescued captives were Ugandans, predominantly women and children, many originating from the Busoga sub-region. The UPDF highlights that the ADF is associated with ISIS and operates under the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP).
The Allied Democratic Front (ADF) is a rebel group active in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known for its violent insurgent activities linked to the broader extremist network associated with ISIS. The recent military operations aim to combat the growing threat posed by the ADF, which has led to significant regional security concerns. Joint operations such as Operation Shujaa illustrate the collaborative efforts between Uganda and the DRC to tackle these insurgencies more effectively, highlighting the increasing importance of regional cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
The successful joint military operation between the Ugandan and Congolese armies underscores a significant step in combating the ADF’s insurgency. By eliminating key rebel figures and rescuing captives, the collaboration enhances security in the region and demonstrates a commitment to regional stability. The ongoing repercussions of such operations signal a determined effort to counteract the influence of ISIS-affiliated groups operating within Central Africa.
Original Source: www.newvision.co.ug
