In a joint operation, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have successfully rescued 23 individuals, including 13 minors, from the clutches of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Shujaa,” took place near River Malibongo, North of Tokomeka in Ituri Province.

The rescued individuals, comprising 16 females and 7 males, were received at the UPDF tactical headquarters in Luna, Ituri Province, after being extracted from the jungles by the joint mobile forces. Notably, among the rescued are 13 minors, including three infants under the age of one, who are severely malnourished and receiving emergency care from a joint medical team.

The mothers of the infants are also receiving basic medical treatment in the field, with arrangements underway to transfer them to a facility for more comprehensive care.

Operation Shujaa, now in its 31st month, aims to decisively defeat the ADF, a terrorist organisation affiliated with Islamic State.