Joint Forces Successfully Strike ADF Terrorists and Recover Hostages in Operation Shujaa

Joint military forces of Uganda and the DRC conducted Operation Shujaa, resulting in the deaths of 27 ADF members and the rescue of 40 captives. The operation, which occurred near Beni in Ituri province, also yielded the recovery of nine guns and various ammunition. A soldier from the joint forces was reported injured.

In a significant military operation, joint forces from the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Congolese Army (FARDC) successfully eliminated 27 members of the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) and rescued 40 individuals, primarily women and children, in Biakato and Mambasa territory. This operation, known as Operation Shujaa, took place on September 24 and is part of ongoing efforts to combat ADF terrorism in the region. The encounter, as reported by Major Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, resulted in the recovery of nine firearms, including eight sub-machine guns and one PK Machine Gun, alongside various ammunition, walkie-talkies, and human drugs. The operation’s objectives also included addressing the complex threat posed by the ADF, which is affiliated with the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP). The UPDF has confirmed that a soldier from the joint forces sustained an injury during the operation and is currently receiving treatment at UPDF Muhote Hospital.

The Allied Democratic Front (ADF) has long been a source of instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and parts of Uganda. This militia group is notorious for its violent attacks against civilians and has been linked to various terrorist activities in the region, including those aligned with the broader Islamic State ideology. The joint military efforts between Uganda and the DRC represent a collaborative strategy aimed at dismantling the ADF’s operational capacity and providing humanitarian relief to affected populations. Operation Shujaa epitomizes the regional commitment to ensuring safety and restoring peace in the conflict-ridden areas of Eastern Congo.

In summary, the collaborative military endeavor resulted in substantial success against the ADF, highlighting both the effectiveness of joint operations and the urgent need for continued efforts in combating terrorism. The rescue of 40 captives underscores the humanitarian aspect of the mission and reflects the commitment of both the Ugandan and Congolese armed forces to protect vulnerable populations from the threats posed by extremist groups. Such operations are crucial in the ongoing fight to restore stability in the region.

Original Source: www.newvision.co.ug