Ugandan and Congolese forces rescue 200 from ISIL-backed Allied Democratic Forces

Ugandan and Congolese forces have reported the rescue of at least 200 civilians from captivity by an ISIL-linked rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The captives were freed last week after being held by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), according to Uganda’s military. The released individuals are said to be in poor health.

According to a military statement, those freed from the ADF camp along the River Epulu reported harsh conditions during their captivity, including lack of food and forced labor. Several captives appeared frail, suffering from untreated illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, and physical exhaustion.

The ADF, also referred to as an ISIL affiliate in Central Africa (IS-CA), was originally established in 1994 as a rebel group in Uganda. The group pledged allegiance to ISIL around a decade ago and has since operated primarily in eastern DRC. The Ugandan government accused the group of persecuting Muslims.

United Nations figures suggest that the ADF has been responsible for thousands of civilian deaths in eastern DRC, where the military alleges that the group has kidnapped civilians and forced young female captives into marriage. The ADF reinvigorated its activities last year as the DRC battled other rebel groups in the region.

The rescue operation announced on Monday was part of an offensive targeting ADF positions along the River Epulu. Uganda’s military reported several ADF fighters killed during the operation and a number of weapons recovered. Joint operations with the DRC have intensified since the start of this year, with Ugandan forces reportedly overrunning a major ADF camp in February.

The Ugandan military stated that the sustained offensive has improved security in parts of eastern DRC, enabling displaced communities to return home, schools to reopen, and cross-border trade between Uganda and the DRC to resume.

Source: Al Jazeera