UPDF soldiers on patrol in the Ituri region on Tuesday at around 11:00 PM came under attack by armed militants suspected to be rogue FARDC elements allied with the violent CODECO militia.
The patrol unit swiftly responded, returning fire and neutralising several of the attackers.
UPDF forces operating in the area have significantly degraded CODECO’s operational capacity.
The militia has long been responsible for widespread massacres of unarmed civilians, including women and children.
Security sources indicate that CODECO, described as a criminal and terrorist outfit, is increasingly uncomfortable with the continued UPDF presence in Ituri and is attempting to recruit support from rogue elements within FARDC.
The Acting Director of Defence Public Information (MODVA/UPDF), Colonel Chris Magezi, reaffirmed that the relationship between the UPDF and FARDC remains strong as the joint forces continue operations against negative armed groups in Ituri and other parts of eastern DRC.
