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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23739, member: 2262"] Ugandan Troops Take Control of Key Territory in Eastern DRC. BENI, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jan. 17, 2025 - Ugandan troops have taken control of Lubero in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The move aims to counter the growing threat from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The deployment comes after repeated requests from Kinshasa to Kampala. It is an important step in efforts to reduce ADF violence in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. UPDF troops moved south from Butembo earlier this week. They secured Lubero and set up a strong presence in the area. UPDF commanders worry the ADF may target the Bahema ethnic group. The ADF has increased attacks in recent months. UPDF officials said their mission is to protect people in Lubero from ADF violence. They also want to break up the group's networks. The ADF has killed over 650 civilians since June 2024. In June, ADF factions led by Abwakasi raided west of Beni and into Lubero. They killed over 200 civilians. Between June 3 and 12, they massacred at least 150 people in Cantine and nearby areas. The ADF attacks have caused a humanitarian crisis. Entire villages have been displaced. Communities live in fear. Military pressure from Operation Shujaa has forced the ADF west into areas like Lubero, making those regions more vulnerable to attacks. A senior UPDF official said the deployment is about keeping people in Lubero safe. The UPDF wants to stop the cycle of ADF violence. Operation Shujaa has made the ADF leave key camps. But it has also caused more violence in the West. UPDF control of Lubero could help prevent more civilian deaths. It may help stabilize the region. People in Lubero face many challenges. These include displacement, loss of income, and trouble getting medical care after attacks on health centers. [/QUOTE]

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