A joint military operation by Uganda and the DRC successfully killed 27 ADF terrorists and rescued 40 captives near Beni in Ituri province during Operation Shujaa. The forces recovered several weapons and supplies while dealing a considerable blow to ADF operations.
In a decisive military operation conducted on September 24, joint forces from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) successfully eliminated 27 members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in a fierce engagement located in the Biakato and Mambasa territories, approximately 67 kilometers northwest of Beni within the Ituri province. The operation, referred to as Operation Shujaa, also resulted in the rescue of 40 captives, predominantly women and children, most of whom are Ugandan nationals from the Busoga sub-region. According to Major Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, the joint military effort not only neutralized the terrorists but also led to the recovery of an array of weaponry, including nine firearms—eight sub-machine guns and one PK machine gun—along with various ammunition, walkie-talkies, and other supplies. The operation saw one soldier from the joint forces sustaining a leg injury and receiving treatment at the UPDF Muhote Hospital. It is noteworthy that the ADF maintains affiliations with the Islamic State and is linked to the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP). This operation underscores the ongoing collaborative efforts of the Ugandan and Congolese armed forces to combat terrorism and secure regional stability.
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is a militia group that originated in Uganda and has been linked to various acts of terrorism in the region. Their affiliation with ISIS has raised international concern and heightened the urgency for military interventions. Operation Shujaa represents a strategic collaboration between the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Congolese Army (FARDC) aimed at dismantling ADF operations and ensuring the safety of civilians. The recent military offensive reflects a broader effort to restore peace in the Ituri province, a region that has faced significant turmoil due to the ADF’s activities.
In summary, the coordinated assault by Ugandan and Congolese forces during Operation Shujaa has resulted in the significant neutralization of ADF combatants, alongside the protection of civilians and the recovery of critical weapons and resources. This operation highlights the necessity of sustained military collaboration in addressing the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
Original Source: www.newvision.co.ug
