The DRC and Uganda decided to make Operation Shujaa bigger by adding the Bunia, Mahagi, and Djugu areas of the Ituri Province. They made this choice after violence went up between CODECO fighters and Uganda troops. Leaders from both armies met for two days in Bunia to plan this move. General Muhanga Kayanja from Uganda and General Ychaligonza Jacques from Congo worked out the details together. They want to stop ADF terrorists and local armed groups who keep making trouble instead of choosing peace. Both countries said they hope to bring calm back to Ituri after years of armed fighting.
Fighting just got worse near Fataki, where CODECO members battled Uganda soldiers in Bethléem village. People living there heard loud gunshots and bombs all around Fataki. Many ran away because they felt scared. This came right after CODECO killed six people at the Lodda camp last week. Four of those killed were children. The battles between Uganda's forces and CODECO keep getting bigger. Recently, Uganda troops fought off CODECO attacks over two days in Fataki. They said they killed 242 CODECO fighters, making it one of the bloodiest fights ever during this operation.
Uganda lost Colonel David Byaruhanga, who died from wounds he got during that battle. The army said he was hurt when a rocket launcher malfunctioned during the fight. CODECO has hurt many people across eastern Congo for years. This group mostly includes Lendu members who attack Hema people. They burn villages, kill based on tribe, and cause awful bloodshed. Reports say they recently joined with ADF fighters, which makes everything more dangerous. Their attacks have forced tens of thousands to leave home, looking for safety.
Aid groups warn that things will keep getting worse as violence spreads and helpers can't reach people who need food and medicine. By adding Bunia to their plan, Congo and Uganda show they want to fight harder against armed groups in Ituri. They first started working together late in 2021, mainly to find ADF hideouts in North Kivu and Ituri. But they seem ready to go after more different fighting groups who refuse to give up their weapons or join normal society again. The armies plan to use more force across a wider area than before.
Fighting just got worse near Fataki, where CODECO members battled Uganda soldiers in Bethléem village. People living there heard loud gunshots and bombs all around Fataki. Many ran away because they felt scared. This came right after CODECO killed six people at the Lodda camp last week. Four of those killed were children. The battles between Uganda's forces and CODECO keep getting bigger. Recently, Uganda troops fought off CODECO attacks over two days in Fataki. They said they killed 242 CODECO fighters, making it one of the bloodiest fights ever during this operation.
Uganda lost Colonel David Byaruhanga, who died from wounds he got during that battle. The army said he was hurt when a rocket launcher malfunctioned during the fight. CODECO has hurt many people across eastern Congo for years. This group mostly includes Lendu members who attack Hema people. They burn villages, kill based on tribe, and cause awful bloodshed. Reports say they recently joined with ADF fighters, which makes everything more dangerous. Their attacks have forced tens of thousands to leave home, looking for safety.
Aid groups warn that things will keep getting worse as violence spreads and helpers can't reach people who need food and medicine. By adding Bunia to their plan, Congo and Uganda show they want to fight harder against armed groups in Ituri. They first started working together late in 2021, mainly to find ADF hideouts in North Kivu and Ituri. But they seem ready to go after more different fighting groups who refuse to give up their weapons or join normal society again. The armies plan to use more force across a wider area than before.
