Joint forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have launched new strikes against positions of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Mambasa territory, eastern DR Congo.
According to the UPDF, the latest operations were conducted between November 22 and 23, targeting two rebel hideouts near Babunga village, south of River Epulu. Artillery units from the joint force reportedly shelled the identified locations following days of coordinated intelligence gathering.
Military sources familiar with the operation said the strikes inflicted “significant losses” on the ADF, with several fighters believed to have been neutralised. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the group’s elusive leader, Musa Baluku, might have been present at one of the targeted camps, although his whereabouts remain unknown.
Preliminary intelligence assessments, corroborated by accounts from local residents, indicate that the militant group suffered notable disruption to its operations and logistics.
The weekend bombardment is the latest phase of Operation Shujaa, the joint UPDF–FARDC campaign launched in 2021 to dismantle ADF strongholds across eastern DR Congo.
Security officials say surviving ADF elements are now under increasing pressure and are splintering into smaller units as they attempt to evade capture across the thick Ituri forest.
The UPDF said operations will continue in the coming days as both forces maintain momentum aimed at restoring stability in the troubled region.
