The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in a joint operation have rescued 10 women and children from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

In the ongoing operation code-named “Operation Shujaa”, the Forces successfully rescued the five women and five children after a confrontation with ADF terrorists at River Asefu in North Kivu province.

According to the Spokesperson of Operation Shujaa, Major Bilal Katamba, during the firefight, two women were injured and were airlifted to Muhoti Military Barracks for specialized medical care.

He says that the malnourished children are also receiving medical attention from the UPDF medical team.

Among those rescued is 32-year-old Jamilah Atukwase Katushabe, who was lured into rebel activities in 2008 from Nabweru Division, Wakiso district.

Major Katamba says Atukwase was forcibly married to multiple ADF commanders and was reunited with her 6-year-old daughter, Rahima, during the rescue.

The Joint Forces continue to pursue the scattered ADF terrorists, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP), an affiliate of ISIS as Major Katamba revealed.

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