On Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, a specialized commando unit of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces, UPDF, carried out a fierce raid on the three top camps of the wanted warlord Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebel group in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The attack which was conducted in collaboration with the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Central African Republic security forces inflicted massive destruction on the few surviving LRA rebels.
Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF spokesperson, confirmed the operation and described it as successful.
According to Kulayigye, the raid was conducted in the east of Sam Ouandja and resulted in the massive destruction of the camps, along with the capture of significant military equipment.
“All camps were destroyed during the attack, and equipment was captured,” Kulayigye confirmed.
The military source confirmed that the raid marked a notable escalation in the UPDF’s efforts against the LRA, which has been responsible for numerous human rights abuses.
This operation is particularly significant as it represents one of the first major military actions against Kony and the LRA in several years since 2009 when it last conducted Operation Lightening Thunder against the group in the DRC.
To ensure the raid was successful, UPDF commandos deployed helicopters during the airborne attacks, followed by a ground assault.
LRA Kony, who has evaded capture for decades, is wanted by the International Criminal Court for multiple counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
This development comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) closed its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the LRA in northern Uganda.
The LRA leader is accused of 12 counts of crimes against humanity and 21 counts of war crimes, allegedly committed in 2003 and 2004.
Kony has led a brutal insurgency since the late 1980s, characterized by widespread abductions, forced conscription of child soldiers, and extreme violence against civilians.
Although the LRA’s strength has waned in recent years, the group remains active in the region, posing a threat to local populations.
