Joint operations between the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and Uganda (UPDF) continue to bear fruit in the fight against terrorist groups. According to a dispatch received by POLITICO.CD, 16 terrorists from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group were neutralized in the Mwalika valley, located in the territory of Beni, North Kivu.
These attackers were spotted following their incursion into Mpondwe, a locality located in Uganda, and were neutralized during operations carried out from June 20 to July 29, 2023. Colonel Mak Hazukay, spokesman for the joint FARDC-UPDF operations, said that during these operations, 24 hostages were also released. In addition, 10 weapons of different calibers and various military equipment were recovered.
The incursion of ADF/MTM terrorists into Mpondwe was a trigger for the FARDC-UPDF coalition forces, which intensified their efforts to free the hostages and neutralize the terrorists, in particular the ADF/MTM leaders. Among the 16 neutralized terrorists, two were commanders close to the leader of the ADF, AMIGO, namely ABDOU MASIRIKA and KABANGAKANE.
Since November 2022, the FARDC and the UPDF have jointly been carrying out operations against the ADF on Congolese territory, with the aim of putting an end to the activities of this terrorist group. These operations have made it possible to multiply the successes, with an increasing number of terrorists neutralized and hostages freed.
The coordination of joint FARDC-UPDF operations in the fight against terrorist groups is a concrete example of cooperation between Congolese and Ugandan security forces. This enhanced collaboration is an effective response to cross-border threats and helps to ensure security and stability in the North Kivu region.
The neutralization of these terrorists and the release of the hostages demonstrate the commitment of the Congolese and Ugandan armed forces to fight against terrorism and to protect the populations. This is an important step in the search for peace and security in the region, but there is still work to be done to completely eradicate the terrorist threat.
The joint FARDC-UPDF operations are an example to follow for regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism. It is essential that the countries of the region strengthen their collaboration to put an end to the activities of armed groups and ensure the security of the populations.
This article shows that despite the challenges they face, Congolese and Ugandan security forces remain determined to protect citizens and put an end to the activities of terrorist groups. This exemplary cooperation is an important step towards stability and peace in the North Kivu region and beyond.
Sources:
– Dispatch Politico.cd: https://politico