DR Congo Army Rescues Hostages Held By ADF Armed Group
The DR Congo Army, FARDC rescued 72 people —most of which were women and children— from the ADF, during a military operation.
The DR Congo national army, FARDC, says 72 hostages held by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Beni, North Kivu have been rescued during joint operations by the FARDC and the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).
Among the released hostages were children and 46 women who were sexually abused.
“During clashes, we freed 55 civilians while the others escaped whenever the opportunity arose. Whenever the armed forces were attacking the enemy, the hostages escaped towards the FARDC soldiers,” said Capt. Anthony Mwalushayi, military spokesperson in Beni.
“Most of the freed hostages were minors, and women who numbered 46. Most are not in good health. Others were raped and used to satisfy the sexual needs of the rebels.”
Speaking to the local press over the weekend, Captain Mwalushayi said 98ADF combatants were captured during operations and several others killed, while 197 weapons were recovered.
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