By Nicholas Banadda
The Joint forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in the joint operation codenamed Operation Shujaa have intensified operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.The operation saw the striking of a rebel camp west of River Epulu and recovering a significant cache of weapons and bomb-making materials.
According to the statement issued by UPDF, the joint forces seized a cache of weapons, improvised explosive devices, a milling machine, and other assortment of equipment.
A number of ADF fighters were killed during the assault, while others fled with injuries.
According to the statement, Overseeing the offensive is the overall Operation Commander of Operation Shujaa, Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, who has been coordinating directly with field units, and “pledged to maintain pressure on the insurgents until they are decisively neutralized,”.
During the latest offensive, twelve captives were freed around Ofayee near the Ndimo area. The former captives described harsh conditions during their time in rebel hands, including forced labour enduring physical abuse.
The joint security forces according to the statement continue to pursue remnants of the group that escaped from the River Epulu camp, which had served as one of the ADF’s key hideouts.
Operation Shujaa is a joint military offensive launched in November 2021 by the UPDF and FARDC against ADF elements operating in the Kivu and Ituri regions.