Neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo recently reported the death of the notorious commander of the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group, known as ‘Baghdad’. The operation resulting in his demise occurred on Thursday, April 4th, as part of the ongoing Operation code-named “Shujaa,” conducted jointly by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to a statement issued to the press on Friday, April 5th, by Major Bilal Katamba, the UPDF Mountain Division/Operation Shujaa Public Information Officer, ‘Baghdad’ was killed in the areas of Ambusire, Northwest of Tingwe, 16.5 km from Elengeti Town in Ituri province. The operation involved the UPDF mobile squad under the 3 Mountain Battalion, operating alongside FARDC troops.
The joint operation resulted in the recovery of military equipment, including one sub-machine gun with two magazines, 31 rounds of ammunition, one grenade, and one military radio (walkie-talkie). Reports from military intelligence indicate that ‘Baghdad’ hailed from Kyazanga in greater Masaka, Southwestern Uganda.
The statement further highlights ongoing efforts by the joint forces to hunt down and exert pressure on the remnants of the ADF rebel group. These remnants have been splitting into smaller groups to evade consistent attacks by the UPDF and FARDC. Following their expulsion from Mwalika Valley in North Kivu in the latter half of 2023, a considerable number of ADF remnants moved northwest of the Beni-Kamanda road, specifically in the general areas of Mambasa.
Additionally, Major Bilal Katamba shared photos purported to be of ‘Baghdad’s’ body, further confirming his elimination in the operation.
