The ADF’s pursuit will halt only when they are defeated.
The ADF's pursuit will halt only when they are defeated, according to Gen. Muhanga.
The UPDF has proclaimed that the military operation against the Allied Democratic Forces-ADF in the Democratic Republic of Congo will only finish when the group is entirely vanquished.
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces-UPDF and DRC forces launched a coordinated operation code-named “Military Suja (Hero)” against Allied Democratic Forces-ADF insurgents in neighboring Congo early this week, Ugandan officials claimed, with the goal of driving the extremists out of their bases.
A joint UPDF force made up of Infantry, Motorized Brigade, Artillery, Armored, and Special Forces Command established a tactical post in Mukakati hamlet, roughly 18 kilometers from Uganda’s Busunga border crossing in North Kivu region. Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the overall operation commander, has set up the Forward Operations Base as a launch pad for the offensive campaign against ADF insurgents.
According to Major General Muhanga, the operation will primarily focus on weakening recognized enemy camps in Yayuwa, Tondoli, Beni One, and Beni Two, as well as creating a conducive atmosphere for the two countries’ populations.
According to Gen. Muhanga, the ADF suffered a number of casualties as a result of air and artillery assaults launched on recognized enemy defense areas on Tuesday. He goes on to say that ground forces have been dispatched to spy on enemy bases. Maj Gen Muhanga also stated that a large amount of air force and artillery will be employed on enemy camps in order to hinder any future war plans.
Muhanga asked Ugandans and Congolese to have faith in the UPDF so that peace and security may be restored in these areas following the ADF’s defeat. He went on to say that they are willing to work with DRC soldiers to restore peace to Eastern Congo.
“We held a lot of tactical exchanges with FARDC commanders on the way forward and how the operation against ADF militants may be implemented,” said Gen Muhanga. He did say, however, that Operation Suja would be reviewed at the strategic level every two months to see how far it had progressed in diminishing enemy troops and ending the war and slaughter of innocent civilians.
Due to the bad terrain and rain, UPDF trucks and other heavy equipment are stuck, according to Maj. Peter Mugisa, the spokesperson for Operation Suja. However, loaders and graders are expected to clear the route so that they can advance towards enemy lines estimated to be 20 kilometers from Mukakati.
Mugisa goes on to say that a number of ADF members had surrendered to government authorities, and he encourages others to do the same. “All those who are hearing, we advise and call upon you to surrender and come to us, and we will feed you,” Mugisa stated.
Armed groups have been attempting to dominate gold, cobalt, and other mines in the DRC’s east, which borders Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, for nearly 20 years through attacks and skirmishes.
