A total of 14 Congolese civilians, hostages of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, managed to escape this Friday, December 13 in the Beni-Mbau region in North Kivu, following an operation by the armed forces. This event occurs near the Tingwe forest, in a territory long marked by instability and violence.
According to the Congolese army, these ex-hostages arrived safely in the city of Eringeti, marking a moment of relief for their families and the local community. Their escape was the direct result of joint military operations carried out by the Congolese and Ugandan armies.
Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, spokesperson for Sokola 1 Grand Nord operations, confirmed this release.
“Under pressure from the FARDC-UPDF coalition forces, the Islamist terrorists of the ADF-MTM released this Friday, December 13, 2024, 14 hostages all of Congolese nationality including 9 men and 5 women near the Tingwe forest in the East of RN 4/Ituri. Furthermore, during clashes with these terrorists in the Bapere sector, the joint forces neutralized 1 ADF and recovered its AK47 type weapon,” the army said.
The North Kivu region continues to face major security challenges, with the persistent presence of armed groups such as the ADF. Since July this year, more than 200 ADF hostages have been released in the Beni and Irumu regions following joint operations between the Congolese and Ugandan armies.
Joshua Mutanava, in Goma
Belgium
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