North Kivu, DRC – In a daring joint operation, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rescued 10 hostages, including 5 women and 5 children, from the clutches of the notorious Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group in Eastern DRC.
According to Major Bilal Katamba, Public Information Officer of UPDF Mountain Division/Operation Shujaa, the successful operation was carried out on September 8 at River Asefu in North Kivu province.
“In the ongoing operation code-named “Operation Shujaa,” the forces successfully rescued the women and children after a confrontation with ADF terrorists at River Asefu in North Kivu province.” Said Major Katamba.
Major Katamba highlighted that two women were injured during the firefight and were airlifted to Muhoti Military Barracks for specialized medical care. The rescued children, who were found to be malnourished, are also receiving medical attention from the UPDF medical team.
The operation is a significant blow to the ADF terrorist group, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP), an affiliate of ISIS.
“Among those rescued is 32-year-old Atukwase Katushabe Jamilah, who was lured into rebel activities in 2008 from Nabweru Division, Wakiso district. Jamilah was forcibly married to multiple ADF commanders and was reunited with her 6-year-old daughter, Rahima, during the rescue.” He disclosed
The joint forces are continuing to pursue the scattered ADF terrorists, with the aim of completely dismantling their operations in the region.
This operation is a testament to the strong cooperation and determination of the Ugandan and Congolese forces in the fight against terrorism.
