UPDF and FARDC Joint Operation Rescues 10 Hostages from ADF in DRC

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rescued five women and five children from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) Rebel group.

The rescue in a joint operation on 8th September was part of the ongoing Operation Shujaa, which targets ADF militants in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Maj. Bilal Katamba, the spokesperson for UPDF Mountain Division/Operation Shujaa confirmed that the rescue took place at River Asefu in North Kivu Province following an intense confrontation between the joint forces and the ADF fighters.

Two women were injured in the clash and were airlifted to Muhoti Military Barracks for specialized treatment. Additionally, the rescued children, suffering from malnutrition, are receiving care from the UPDF medical team.

One of the rescued individuals, Atukwase Katushabe Jamilah, a 32-year-old woman from Nabweru Division in Wakiso district, had been lured into the ADF in 2008. She was forcibly married to multiple ADF commanders and was reunited with her 6-year-old daughter during the rescue.

The UPDF and FARDC forces are continuing their pursuit of the ADF militants, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP), a known affiliate of ISIS.