A mass grave containing decomposing between 100 and 150 bodies of suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists has been found in Eastern DR Congo and assorted arms and ammunition recovered.

The rebels are believed to have been killed in a renewed assault by the joint forces from Uganda and the DR Congo operation under a military offensive code-named Operation Shujaa that Presidents Yoweri Museveni and his Congolese counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi, launched eight months ago against the ADF.

The offensive was launched after terrorists attacked several parts of Uganda’s capital Kampala, killing and injuring several people and damaging millions in property.

Operation Shujaa spokesperson, Maj Peter Mugisa, said the bodies were found around River Djelube and River Lusolube river after ground forces had bombed Lusolube, another major ADF camp a few days ago.

“On 2nd July 2022, both Artillery and Combat helicopters bombarded ADF stronghold in sector three on the confluence of River Djelube, Lusolube and Semliki while infantry soldiers advanced to the objective and others on blocking effect,” Maj Mugisa said in a statement on Wednesday.

Seven more ADF killed

As joint infantry forces were combing the area, they came into contact with fleeing ADF terrorists, Mugisa said.

Seven ADF were put out of action, six submachine guns recovered alongside 87 live ammunitions, one rocket-propelled grenade, a walk-talkie, a mobile phone with a DRC SIM card and a power bank.

During a further search in the captured Lusolube camp, the joint forces recovered two flags with Islamic writings, various types and sizes of solar panels, a metallic food flask suspected of making improvised explosive devices and a 60-mm mortar base plate.

Also seized were two administrative record books, one logistic administrative record book, a pharmacy administrative record book, four mobile phones, four walk-talkies and a voice recorder.

Mugisa added that a timing clock for IEDs, pressure machine, humidity clock, three temperature guns, one microphone, one walk-talkie charger, one laptop charger, seven empty magazines and one East African Passport whose owner remains withheld, were recovered.

This is the third phase of Operation Shujaa against ADF elements still active in the areas of Biangoro, Lusu Lube, Djembe, Mwalika, Isale, Taliha, Kabu Wabuwa River and Semliki confluence; all in sector three.

“The second enemy concentration area is in sector two at Tokomeka One, Two and Three where it also calls for combined arms operation,” said Mugisa.

He said the latest achievements against the ADF were a direct result of the June 16, 2022, visit by President Museveni to Muhoti Barracks, the headquarters of the Mountain Division that is conducting Operation Shujaa.

While interacting with commanders and soldiers, the Commander-in-Chief emphasised the use of combined arms to neutralise ADF terrorists in Eastern DRC,” said Mugisa.