Over 200 Civilians Rescued from IS-Linked Militants in DR Congo

In a significant military operation, over 200 civilians were rescued from the grip of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This operation was conducted by Ugandan soldiers, in collaboration with their Congolese counterparts, who targeted a camp controlled by the ADF, a group with links to the Islamic State.

Among those freed during the operation were children, the youngest being a 14-year-old girl, according to a Ugandan military statement. The ADF, originally formed in Uganda in the 1990s, has been notorious for its abductions and killings in eastern DR Congo, where it has operated for the last two decades.

Reports indicate that those rescued described harsh conditions in captivity, including forced labor and lack of food. Many showed signs of frailty and suffered from ailments such as malaria and exhaustion.

Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, leading the joint mission, assured the freed individuals, You are not under detention. You are victims of abduction, and we will ensure you are handed over to appropriate authorities to reunite with your families. The military operation resulted in significant insurgent losses, with several ADF fighters killed, although no civilian or military casualties were reported.

The ADF pledges allegiance to the Islamic State and has been involved in a series of violent attacks over the years. Its activities in DR Congo have worsened the humanitarian situation, as highlighted by a recent BBC Monitoring study indicating that the group was responsible for over half of civilian deaths in the conflict-hit region.

This latest rescue operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Ugandan and Congolese forces to combat the ADF and restore safety to the affected communities.