[ad_1]
A joint force of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) commandos, South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Central African Republic (CAR) troops on Monday launched attacks on three camps of the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Central African Republic.
Sources with knowledge of the operation said the attack took place east of Sam Ouandja and resulted in the destruction of the camp and the seizure of a large amount of equipment.
The Lord’s Resistance Army, led by Joseph Kony, has committed massive human rights violations, including massacres, abductions and the forced recruitment of child soldiers.
According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press, the operation dealt a major blow to the LRA’s combat capability and was an important step toward the final defeat of the LRA and Kony.
UPDF spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigoye confirmed the ongoing operation to Radio Tamazui, revealing that the raid had seized vital equipment and stressing that the mission was part of a larger strategy to dismantle Kony’s network.
“The operation was very successful; the base was captured and we seized equipment,” he said. “The operation is still ongoing and we will continue to monitor the Lord’s Resistance Army to prevent them from regrouping.”
While details of the operation remain unclear, sources said the commandos used advanced tactics and techniques to catch the Lord’s Resistance Army off guard.
This latest operation is an important part of a broader effort in the region to end Kony’s more than three decades of reign of terror.
Uganda People’s Defence Forces deputy spokesman Col. Deo Akiiki said the commandos successfully infiltrated and attacked several LRA positions in the dense forests of the Central African Republic, causing significant damage to the group’s infrastructure.
“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces, in conjunction with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Central African Republic Security Forces, launched an operation against three LRA remnant camps east of Sam Ouandja in the Central African Republic. The three camps were destroyed and equipment seized,” Akiki said.
Uganda People’s Defense Force officials said the attack had weakened the LRA’s ability to regroup and launch attacks, further isolating Kony, who remains one of the International Criminal Court’s most wanted men.
“Our commandos executed their mission with precision and we are confident that this will further degrade the capabilities of the Lord’s Resistance Army,” Col. Akiki confirmed the success of the operation, adding, “It would be wise for them to surrender to the authorities for proper processing and rehabilitation, as we have done with other remnants, as there are no shortcuts.”
Contacted for comment, SSPDF spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang neither confirmed nor denied the involvement of South Sudanese troops. He said he was discussing details of the operation with SSPDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Santino Deng Wol.
The raid came shortly after the International Criminal Court (ICC) concluded its investigation into alleged crimes by the Lord’s Resistance Army. Kony is a notorious fugitive who faces 12 counts of crimes against humanity and 21 war crimes related to attacks in northern Uganda in 2003 and 2004. The charges include murder, slavery, sexual enslavement, rape and the forced recruitment of children, among other serious crimes.
Despite the significant blow to the LRA, experts warn that it may take time to capture Kony, whose knowledge of the terrain and ability to exploit regional instability have allowed him to evade capture for years.
However, the relentless pursuit of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, coupled with international efforts, has left him with fewer options. Recent attacks destroyed three of his camps in the Central African Republic, further weakening his sanctuary.
“Those remnants of the Lord’s Resistance Army who are still taking refuge in the Central African Republic are advised to surrender to the authorities, otherwise they will not be safe anywhere on this continent,” Akiki warned.
The attack comes as Kony’s former deputy, Thomas Kowoyelo, is facing charges at the International Criminal Court.
last week, Radio Tamazuei reports The Uganda People’s Defence Forces have a large presence in Raja County, Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
[ad_2]
Source link
