ITURI DR CONGO, 27 July 2024: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) under Operation Shujaa, successfully rescued 23 people from the clutches of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.
According to Operation Shujja spokesperson Major Bilal Katamba, the joint forces engaged with the ADF near River Malibongo, north of Tokomeka in Ituri Province, leading to the rescue of the abductees.
The rescued abductees, 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, Major Katamba says; there 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. The mothers are also receiving basic medical treatment in the field, with arrangements underway to transfer them to a facility for more comprehensive care.
Operation Shujaa, now in its 31st month and aims to decisively defeat the ADF, a terrorist organization affiliated with Islamic State IS.