Commander of ADF terrorist group killed in eastern DRC

A top commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group has been killed in a combat operation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Congolese military said on Tuesday.

Defender Kasibandi, alias Salongo, was killed during joint operations by the Congolese and Ugandan armies in North Kivu’s Lubero territory, according to a military spokesperson.

“He was killed in an operation code-named Asangwa in the Bapere sector. In addition to neutralising this terrorist, the defence forces recovered several AK-47 weapons,” Lt. Marc Elongo, the spokesperson for the Sokola I operational sector in Greater North Kivu, told reporters.

Security sources said Kasibandi was an influential commander of the ADF close to Seka Musa Baluku, the group's leader.

Abducted civilians rescued

The operation also led to the rescue of three civilians who were recently held hostage.

The terrorist group, which has been active in eastern DR Congo for several years, is affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group.

Since 2021, Ugandan and Congolese forces have been conducting joint operations against the ADF terrorists.

The killing of the ADF commander comes days after several deadly attacks attributed to the ADF were reported in the neighbouring territory of Mambasa.

Earlier in March, at least 35 civilians were killed at the Muchacha gold mine and 15 were killed in Babesua locality in Ituri province by suspected ADF terrorists, according to local media.