BY JOACKIM KULE
In a significant breakthrough, the ongoing joint operation between the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Congolese Army (FARDC), codenamed Operation Shujaa, has resulted in the successful rescue of 31 abducted individuals. The operation’s primary objective is to counter the menace posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists within the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and recent developments indicate commendable progress.
Major Bilal Katamba, the spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division, addressed the press, revealing that on August 22nd, 2023, a group of 30 abducted individuals was safely liberated after reaching the FARDC base situated in Erengeti. This accomplishment follows closely on the heels of a triumphant operation in the Tingwe hills region, wherein 19 abductees were freed through a joint UPDF/FARDC offensive just last week.
Major Katamba highlighted the intensified collaboration between the UPDF and FARDC under Operation Shujaa, yielding consecutive successes in the battle against ADF terrorists. In an engagement on August 21st, 2023, the joint forces operating within the Maxabo area of North Kivu confronted ADF militants. The confrontation led to the retrieval of a rocket-propelled grenade launcher (RPG) and the successful rescue of a woman held captive by the terrorists.
Another operation, conducted on August 20th, 2023, at approximately 1630 hours in the southwestern Kimberembere region, saw the UPDF’s 11th Battalion cooperating with FARDC to engage an ADF faction. During the encounter, one terrorist combatant was neutralized, and the combined forces successfully recovered an PKM machine gun and two SMGs (submachine guns).
The relentless pursuit of ADF terrorists persists, with the joint forces focusing their efforts on locating a group believed to be under the command of senior ADF leaders Muhammad Lumisa and Rafiki.
Operation Shujaa firmly underscores the unswerving commitment of both the UPDF and FARDC to neutralize the threat posed by ADF terrorists and reinstate tranquility and security to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As the operation progresses, the combined forces remain steadfast in their resolve to terminate the reign of terror propagated by the ADF, ensuring the safety and well-being of the local population.