Hundreds of heavily armed Lendu militants, fighting under the Cooperative for Development of the Congo (CODECO), launched a two-day attack on a UPDF Battle Group stationed in Fataki, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the UPDF successfully repelled the attack, killing 242 militias in the process.
According to UPDF Acting Director of Public Defence Spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, the militias attacked the UPDF blocking force on Wednesday and Thursday, but were defeated on both occasions. The UPDF suffered one fatality, while four other soldiers were injured and have since been evacuated to Uganda for further treatment.
The UPDF deployment in the area aims to prevent fleeing ADF remnants from infiltrating the region. The CODECO militias have recently formed an alliance with the ADF terrorist group and have intensified violent attacks against other Congolese communities, particularly the Hema ethnic group.
The local communities in Fataki and neighboring towns have welcomed the UPDF presence, which is expected to stem the flow of refugees fleeing the violence.
