Kampala, Uganda – (African Boulevard News) – Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni announced on Thursday that the country’s military operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo have resulted in the death of over 560 fighters associated with a rebel group linked to the Islamic State (IS). Since December 2021, the Ugandan forces have been engaged in a relentless battle against the IS-allied fighters in an effort to bring stability to the volatile region.
The rebel group, known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), has been operating in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo for years, terrorizing the local population and causing instability. The ADF is said to have established ties with the Islamic State in recent years, posing a significant threat to the region’s security.
In a statement, President Museveni expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the Ugandan forces in dismantling the ADF and eliminating its members. “We have made significant gains in our operations against these terrorist elements. Our troops have shown great courage and resilience in the face of adversity,” he said.
The president also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Ugandan military in their mission to restore peace in the region. “We mourn the loss of our brave soldiers who have laid down their lives while protecting our nation and our neighbors from the menace of terrorism. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” he added.
Uganda’s operations in the DRC have received international support, with neighboring countries and the United Nations expressing their appreciation for the efforts made by the Ugandan troops. The fight against IS-affiliated groups in the region remains a priority for the international community, as the threat of terrorism continues to loom large.
Security analyst, Dr. Sarah Nankunda, commended Uganda’s military campaign against the ADF, stating, “Uganda’s operations have significantly weakened the ADF’s capacity to carry out attacks and disrupt the lives of innocent civilians. This is a major step towards achieving lasting peace in the eastern DRC.”
While the death of over 560 IS-allied fighters is a significant blow to the ADF, security experts warn that the fight against terrorism is far from over. Efforts to dismantle the group and eradicate IS’s influence in the region must continue, as there are still active pockets of resistance.
As Uganda remains committed to ensuring peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Museveni affirmed that the country would continue to work closely with its international partners in the fight against terrorism. The Ugandan forces will maintain their presence in the region, supporting efforts to restore order and protect civilians from further harm.
The battle against the ADF and other extremist groups in the region may be long and arduous, but Uganda’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism demonstrates its determination to protect its people and promote regional security.
Sources:
Uganda says its operations in Congo have killed 567 IS-allied fighters – Africanews
Uganda says its operations in Congo have killed 567 IS-allied fighters – Google Search
