Ugandan soldiers smashed through a massive rebel fortress deep inside Congo's Ituri Province after days of fierce fighting. The military assault wiped out a terrorist base that housed between 1,000 and 1,500 Allied Democratic Forces fighters along with their families. Colonel Chris Magezi confirmed that troops seized the Apakwang stronghold on Thursday following coordinated bombing runs and artillery barrages. The compound served as headquarters for ADF commander Musa Baluku who controlled operations across the region. Soldiers discovered sprawling food gardens packed with rice, beans and cassava that fed the rebel network.
The raid represents the biggest victory yet under Operation Shujaa which pairs Ugandan forces with Congolese troops. Military officials launched the combined offensive on Sunday with warplanes pounding rebel positions before ground forces moved in. Ugandan commanders praised their Congolese partners for excellent cooperation during the multi-day battle. The two armies operate under a renewed security pact designed to crush armed groups terrorizing eastern Congo. Pursuit teams continue chasing scattered fighters fleeing toward western territories.
Operation Shujaa began in November 2021 when both governments agreed to target ADF camps across Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The rebel group started as a Ugandan movement during the 1990s before swearing loyalty to ISIS terrorists. Ugandan troops have destroyed dozens of rebel bases while freeing hostages and capturing weapons stockpiles. The ADF keeps regrouping in thick jungle areas and exploits weak border controls between the countries.
The raid represents the biggest victory yet under Operation Shujaa which pairs Ugandan forces with Congolese troops. Military officials launched the combined offensive on Sunday with warplanes pounding rebel positions before ground forces moved in. Ugandan commanders praised their Congolese partners for excellent cooperation during the multi-day battle. The two armies operate under a renewed security pact designed to crush armed groups terrorizing eastern Congo. Pursuit teams continue chasing scattered fighters fleeing toward western territories.
Operation Shujaa began in November 2021 when both governments agreed to target ADF camps across Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The rebel group started as a Ugandan movement during the 1990s before swearing loyalty to ISIS terrorists. Ugandan troops have destroyed dozens of rebel bases while freeing hostages and capturing weapons stockpiles. The ADF keeps regrouping in thick jungle areas and exploits weak border controls between the countries.
