Operation Shujaa: UPDF, FARDC Open Third Offensive Route, Capture Boga

The overall Commander of 'Operation Shujja' Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga on Tuesday opened the third offensive route against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) further strengthening the military offensive against the rebel outfit in Ituri Provinces and North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

UPDF combat vehicles crossed into Burasi in the DRC using the newly installed ferry at Haibale Landing site on River Semliki. The route, which stretches from Burasi to Boga -- is 50km.

"The renovated road will ease the movement of supplies to the forces instead of using the costly air transport, and further accelerate trade and movement of people between the two countries," officials said.

Now in phase two, the operation in phase one killed and injured scores of rebels and Gen Muhanga has said the safest route for the rebel group is to surrender because they will eventually hunt down and capture those that are scattered.

On Wednesday evening, the Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba revealed that FARDC and UPDF had captured the airfield in Boga, Ituri Province.

"I'm glad to announce that the joint FARDC/UPDF forces have captured the airfield in Boga, Ituri Province. ADF is running as fast as they can before our invincible troops! Victory is ours!!" he tweeted.

He added in a separate tweet: "The joint forces of UPDF/FARDC have entered Boga in Ituri today! We were met by ecstatic civilians. ADF is running from us like crazy. God bless the people of DRC and Uganda!"

Operation Shuuja, which started with one route on December 1, has seen the joint forces dislodge ADF terrorists out of their stronghold camping sites including Kambi Ya Yua, where they found lots of military ware and documents.