The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) successfully neutralized three members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During a joint operation against the notorious ADF on January 20, 2024, along the West bank of River Lunah in the Matunguru Valley, located in the Irumu territory of Ituri Province, the forces also rescued five children and three women.
The rescued women, who had been held captive by the ADF since their ambush on a bus traveling from Kamanda to Beni on November 5, 2021, at Ndalya, shared their harrowing experience.
Major Bilal Katamba, the Public Information Officer of the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shuuja, stated that the joint forces, acting on reliable intelligence, successfully located and liberated the women from their captors.
“The eight people were rescued by our joint forces after the battle against the ADF on the West bank of River Lunah, in Matunguru Valley, North East of Maitatu, Irumu territory, Ituri Province in Eastern DRC,”he said.
“The joint forces also recovered an RPG bomb and medicines that were being used by the rebels,”Katamba added
He said the recovery of these items reinforces the connection between the ADF and ISIS, as the ADF is known to be an affiliate of the extremist group
The relentless pursuit of the rebels continues as the joint forces remain determined to completely eradicate them from the region.
Last year, the same joint forces drove the ADF out of Mwalika Valley.
The ADF has been responsible for numerous atrocities committed against the local population in Eastern DRC and Uganda.
Through Operation Shujaa, the UPDF and FARDC have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting the innocent and bringing these terrorists to justice.
