Authorities in the neighbouring DR Congo have reported that three Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels were killed during an operation known as Shujaa by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Congolese Army (FARDC).
Maj. Bilal Katamba, the information officer for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Operation Shujaa, stated on Monday that on Sunday around 10 a.m., the joint forces came across a group of about 10-15 ADF militants in the Talia area of North Kivu province, DR Congo.
“The forces attacked the rebels without delay, putting them out of action and recovering seven weapons in the process. Five submachine guns (SMGs) and one PMK, as well as 22 rounds of PMK ammunition and 91 rounds of SMG ammunition, were among the seized weapons, the official said.
During the ongoing operation, three empty PMK chains and three radio calls or walkie-talkies were also seized.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces also revealed that on July 29, after coming into contact with a terror organisation linked to the Islamic State in the Ndalia region of DR Congo, another ADF fighter had been rendered inoperable.
Joint forces also found three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two SMGs during that encounter, Maj. Katamba told reporters on Monday.
Furthermore, they found 64 rounds of SMG ammunition, 30 rounds of PMK ammunition, three radio calls or walkie-talkies, and three empty magazines of SMGs.
“Our joint forces continue their relentless pursuit of the scattered ADF terrorists to ensure lasting peace in the region. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces and FARDC are committed to creating a safe environment for civilians and are determined to neutralise the threat posed by the terrorist group,” Maj. Katamba said in a statement.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces also reported that the Congolese army has since received at least 15 women and two men who surrendered at their Ndimo detachment in along the Erengeti – Komanda road following a July 14 offensive targeting ADF elements in Ndalia, northeast of Erengeti Town.
Numerous ADF attacks have been blamed on the IS group since April 2019, and the IS group refers to the ADF as its regional affiliate, the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP).
