Kampala – Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rescued 23 people, including 13 minors, from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.
The joint forces, operating under Operation Shujaa, engaged with the ADF near River Malibongo in Ituri Province, leading to the rescue of the abductees.
According to Major Bilal Katamba, Public Information Officer for Operation Shujaa, the rescued individuals, comprising 16 females and 7 males, were received at the UPDF tactical headquarters in Luna, Ituri Province after being extracted from the jungles by the joint mobile forces.
Among the rescued are 13 minors, including three infants under the age of one, who are severely malnourished.
“A joint medical team is providing emergency care to save their lives,” he said. Maj. Katamba added that the mothers are also receiving basic medical treatment in the field, with arrangements underway to transfer them to a facility for more comprehensive care.
“The joint forces’ swift and decisive action has saved the lives of these innocent civilians, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to defeat the ADF and bring peace to the region,” said Maj. Katamba.
Operation Shujaa, now in its 31st month, aims to decisively defeat the ADF, a terrorist organization affiliated with Islamic State.