In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a new battle took place on Wednesday May 31 between the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the jihadists of the Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF) in the Rwenzori sector, Beni territory. The clashes, which lasted all evening, enabled regular troops to kill 6 members of this foreign group, dismantle one of their strongholds and recover three weapons of war near the Nzelube River.
The armed forces put the ADF/MTN terrorist jihadists in difficulty and succeeded in neutralizing 6 of them while recovering 3 AK-47 type weapons and other military objects. This was confirmed by the spokesman for the army on the spot. He added that the sweeping operation would continue in the area to allow free movement on the Beni-Kasindi road. The spokesperson also called on the population to strengthen their collaboration with the army to defeat the enemy.
This new battle comes in a context where the security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo is very precarious. Indeed, armed attacks have been increasing for several months, causing many victims. To deal with this situation, the Congolese army has launched a vast operation called “Sukola 2” intended to. stem the advance of these armed groups in the region.
It should be noted that the Beni region has for several years been the scene of massacres attributed to ADF/MTN militiamen. The latter, of Ugandan origin, took up residence in this region in 2014. Their presence has been reported on several occasions in the region, where they have committed several deadly attacks against civilian populations. The Congolese army, supported by Monusco, launched several offensives against them, but without convincing results.