Joint Ugandan, Congolese Forces Strike ADF camp in Eastern Congo, Free Captives

UPDF is conducting operations against ADF in eastern DRC

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo – Joint Ugandan and Congolese forces have struck a camp belonging to suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing several fighters, freeing captives and recovering weapons and bomb-making materials, Uganda’s military said.

In a statement issued on Friday and seen by ChimpReports, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) said the joint forces operating under Operation Shujaa had “intensified coordinated offensive operations” against ADF elements west of River Epulu.

“The joint forces successfully overran an ADF camp, recovering a cache of weapons, improvised explosive devices, a milling machine and assorted equipment used in the manufacture of explosives,” the UPDF said in the statement.

It added that “a number of terrorists were killed during the assault while others fled with injuries,” and confirmed that twelve captives were rescued around Ofayee near the Ndimo area.

“The former captives reported being subjected to forced labour and physical abuse during their captivity,” the statement said.

The UPDF said the operation was carried out under the command of Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa and pledged to “maintain sustained pressure on the remnants of the ADF until they are decisively neutralised.”

The Congolese army has not yet issued a separate statement on the latest operation.

Operation Shujaa, launched in November 2021, allows Ugandan troops to operate inside eastern Congo with the consent of Kinshasa to target ADF strongholds in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

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Despite repeated offensives, the group continues to stage sporadic attacks on civilians, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.