Joint forces from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have rescued more than 200 civilians from captivity by the Allied Democratic Force
Joint forces from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have rescued more than 200 civilians from captivity by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group linked to the Islamic State (IS), according to reports from April 20, 2026.
The rescue operation targeted an ADF camp located along the River Epulu in the eastern DRC, a region that has long been plagued by violence from the group.
The joint military effort, known as “Operation Shujaa,” resulted in several ADF fighters being killed and the recovery of weapons, according to the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) statement.
The rescued captives, who include women and children—with the youngest reported to be a 14-year-old girl—were found in poor health after spending months or years in captivity.
Survivors recounted harrowing conditions, including forced labour, starvation, and physical punishment. Many were suffering from untreated illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, and exhaustion at the time of their release, the UPDF spokesperson added.
The ADF, originally a Ugandan rebel group formed in the 1990s, has been operating in the eastern DRC for over two decades and pledged allegiance to IS a decade ago.
Although a joint military offensive was launched by Uganda and the DRC in 2021 to eliminate them, the group has continued to launch attacks and is responsible for a large number of kidnappings and killings in the region.
The recent rescue is part of an intensified operation aimed at dismantling ADF strongholds and improving security to allow displaced communities to return to their homes.
COMMENTS