Ugandan and Congolese Forces Rescue 23 from ADF Captivity, Including 13 Minors
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rescued 23 individuals, including 13 minors, from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants in a successful joint mission.
The operation, known as “Operation Shujaa,” occurred near River Malibongo, north of Tokomeka in Ituri Province. The joint forces managed to extract these individuals from the dense jungle where they had been held captive.
The group of rescued individuals includes 16 females and 7 males. Among them are 13 minors, three of whom are infants under the age of one. These infants are reported to be severely malnourished and are receiving urgent medical attention from a combined medical team.
The mothers of the infants are also receiving basic medical care at the field site. Plans are being made to transfer them to a medical facility for more extensive treatment.
Operation Shujaa, now in its 31st month, is focused on defeating the ADF, a terrorist organization linked with the Islamic State. This mission aims to disrupt and dismantle the ADF’s operations and rescue those they have abducted.
UPDF spokesperson Major Bilal Katamba provided details about the operation in a statement issued on Saturday, July 27, 2024. He explained that the rescued individuals were brought to the UPDF tactical headquarters in Luna, Ituri Province, after being freed by the joint mobile forces.
Major Katamba emphasized the severity of the situation faced by the rescued individuals, particularly the children, and highlighted the ongoing efforts to provide necessary medical care and support.
