Ugandan and Congolese military forces have successfully rescued more than 200 civilians held captive by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group with reported links to the Islamic State (ISIL).
The joint operation targeted an ADF camp along the River Epulu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo last week. Among those freed was a 14-year-old girl, identified as the youngest of the hostages.
The rescue forms part of intensified efforts under Operation Shujaa, a long-running collaborative campaign between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
Launched in 2021, the operation aims to dismantle ADF strongholds and has recorded notable gains in recent months, including the overrun of major militant camps and the recovery of weapons and improvised explosive devices.
Ugandan military authorities described the latest action as a significant achievement in the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
The ADF, originally a Ugandan-origin group that has since established a presence in eastern DRC, has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians and security forces in the region.
The successful liberation of the hostages underscores the importance of sustained bilateral military cooperation in addressing cross-border security threats posed by such armed groups.
Further details regarding the current status of the rescued individuals and any casualties during the operation have not been fully disclosed.
