The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) successfully rescued 38 abductees from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists during a daring operation on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The abductees, including women and children born in captivity were freed following a meticulously planned and intelligence-led assault in the eastern regions of the Ibiena River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The joint effort is part of Operation Shujaa, an ongoing campaign aimed at eradicating the ADF’s influence in the region.
According to UPDF spokesperson, Brig. Felix Kulaigye, the operation inflicted “significant casualties and demoralization for the enemy forcing the militants to flee while abandoning their weapons. The operation also led to the recovery of eight submachine guns (SMGs) and one PK machine gun, further crippling the ADF’s operational capacity.”
He added, “As we pursue the ADF terrorists, we congratulate our generals, officers, and men who participated in Operation Shujaa and wish the combined forces many more successes in the defense of our territorial integrity.”
He emphasized that the operation’s success was a testament to the strength of the UPDF-FARDC partnership in restoring peace and security in the region.
The UPDF and FARDC have reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorist threats and protecting civilians from harm. The rescue of the 38 captives is seen as a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against terrorism, as the combined forces continue their pursuit of the ADF and their operatives.