The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), in a joint operation, have successfully rescued five women and five children from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Eastern DRC.
The rescue took place after a confrontation with ADF rebels at River Asefu in North Kivu province as part of “Operation Shujaa.” During the clash, two women were injured and were airlifted to Muhoti Military Barracks for specialized medical care. The children, found in a malnourished state, are also receiving medical attention from the UPDF medical team.
Among the rescued is 32-year-old Jamilah Katushabe, who was reportedly lured into rebel activities in 2008 from Nabweru Division, Wakiso district. Jamilah was forced into marriage with several ADF commanders and was reunited with her 6-year-old daughter during the operation.
The joint forces continue to pursue the scattered ADF rebels, who have aligned themselves with the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP), an affiliate of ISIS. The UPDF has been actively pursuing the ADF since December 2021, launching artillery and airstrikes on their bases in Eastern DRC following terror attacks in Kampala that resulted in numerous casualties. Efforts to eliminate the rebels continue, with further strikes targeting their hideouts in DRC.