Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), working with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) under Operation Shujaa, have rescued 30 abductees from ADF rebels.
According to Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF Spokesperson, the abductees were rescued on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, after the FARDC base in Erengeti got reliable information about their location.
“The joint UPDF/FARDC Operation Shujaa came into contact with the ADF terrorists in the general areas of Maxabo in North Kivu, and one rocket-propelled grenade launcher (RPG) was recovered,” Kulayigye said.
He also said some rebels were put down during the rescue and some guns recovered, noting that Operation Shuuja has intensified the hunt against ADF terrorists in the Eastern DRC, which has registered a number of successes.
“On August 20, 2023, at around 1630 hrs in the south-west of Kimberembere, the joint forces under UPDF’s 11th Battalion, operating in the general areas of Maxabo, got in contact with the ADF group, and one terrorist was put out of action, one PKM machine gun, and two SMGs were recovered,” he added.
The UPDF/FARDC also rescued 19 abductees in Tingwe Hills during the same operation.
According to the UPDF, Muhammad Lumisa and Rafiki are currently commanding the largest number of ADF rebels and are on the run.