The joint Uganda People’s Defense Forces-UPDF and their DRC counterparts are holding Zazrad Zerad Saïdi, a suspected female member of the rebel Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). According to security sources, the Tanzanian national was arrested on Monday night from Apehutu in the Ruwenzori sector, in Beni territory, North Kivu Province in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Captain Anthony Mwalushay, the spokesperson for the operational sector Sokola 1 Grand Nord (North), says that Zerad was arrested during a security operation. According to Mwalushay, during interrogations, Zerad claimed that she fled from the ADF base during the joint Uganda/DR Congo bombardment between the Confluence of Semuliki and Nzelube on Monday.
Zerad’s arrest comes during the third phase of joint operations against the rebels in Kayenjye and Bundihangaro village, which is 6Kms North of Nobili and 5Kms East of Kamango Town Ituri province. At least four rebels were killed during the raid. The Joint forces also recovered four SMG rifles and a Rocket Propelled Grenade.
The operation came hours after the ADF raided the residents of Kayenjye where they killed a Boda boda rider, torched two houses, and looted livestock. The group also abducted six civilians in Bundihangaro who were working in their gardens.
Last week, UPDF launched a third offensive against ADF rebels who are believed to be operating in Ituri Province and North Kivu in DRC. The joint forces subsequently captured Boga Airfield from the fleeing rebels. Despite the intensified operations against them, the rebels have continued staging surprise attacks against the Congolese army and locals.
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