UPDF kills 100 ADF fighters in Congo
At least eight camps of the rebel Allied Democratic Forces-ADF in the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC were destroyed in the recent joint airstrikes dubbed operation "TUUGO" by Uganda People's Defense Forces and the Congolese army, FARDC, the army spokesperson, Brigadier Richard Karemire has disclosed.
"These were ADF historical strongholds in Eastern DRC in general areas of Erengeti Triangle - North Kivu Province. They are Medina, Canada, Abia, Topoke 2, Kajaju, Camp Richard, Makayoba and Sangote," reads a statement issued by Brigadier Karemire on Wednesday afternoon.
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According to Brigadier Karemire, more than 100 ADF fighters were killed in the air strikes on the ADF positions, which started on December 22, 2017.
"Those who survived the assault are roaming in different areas of North Kivu but FARDC forces are pursuing them. The UPDF is maintaining active defensive operations along the borderline in the districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko to deter any of the terrorists from sneaking into our territory. Should they attempt to attack our border villages, UPDF shall not hesitate to pursue them to wherever they will have come from," he warns.
Adding that, "The ADF recent attack on the UN Peacekeepers of MONUSCO from the sister country of Tanzania is an indictment to its activities not only for Uganda and DRC but also the International community." On December 07, 2017 suspected ADF fighters overran a UN base in Semuliki, near Beni in North Kivu Province killing at least 14 UN troops and five Congolese soldiers.
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, UN described the attack as "the worst attack on UN peacekeepers in the organization's recent history" and called it a "war crime". Brigadier Karemire says the population in the affected areas, the region and international partners shall be mobilized to stop the terror activities once and for all.
"Contrary to falsehoods by some irresponsible, unpatriotic and opportunistic individuals being peddled on social media, we reiterate that the UPDF has neither deployed any infantry troops inside DRC nor suffered any casualties. These limited operations remain to be conducted within the boundaries of the law and with full knowledge and blessing of the DRC Government," he said.
He calls on citizens and allies to disregard the falsehoods and treat them with the contempt they deserve. "UPDF shall remain committed to its covenant of protecting the citizens and therefore, there should be no cause for worry," reads the statement.
