At least 12 civilians have been rescued following a joint military assault on an Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
The operation targeted a rebel stronghold west of River Epulu, where security forces also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, improvised explosive devices, a milling machine, and other bomb-making equipment.
Several ADF fighters were killed in the offensive, while others fled with injuries, according to a statement by the UPDF.
"The freed civilians, found around Ofayee near the Ndimo area, described enduring harsh conditions under ADF captivity, including forced labour and physical abuse," the UPDF said .
Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, overall commander of Operation Shujaa, said the assault was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the insurgents’ networks in the region.
“We will maintain relentless pressure on the ADF until they are decisively neutralised,” Maj Gen Mugerwa said, highlighting the significance of rescuing the captives.
Security forces continue to pursue ADF fighters who escaped the camp, which had been one of the group’s key hideouts in the Kivu and Ituri regions.
Military officials described the raid as a surprise attack that caught the rebel ranks off guard.
Launched in November 2021, Operation Shujaa is a coordinated offensive by the UPDF and FARDC to tackle ADF elements operating in eastern DRC. The joint operation has been instrumental in disrupting rebel activities, rescuing civilians, and seizing weapons and explosives from insurgent camps.