UPDF Commandos destroy Kony’s LRA bases in Central African Republic

Bangui, (Central Africa):- The Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) commandos Tuesday launched a successful raid on the bases of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony in Central African Republic (CAR).

According to a statement released by UPDF on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the commandos “in coordination with South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Central African Republic (CAR) security forces, launched an operation against three camps belonging to Joseph Kony in the Central African Republic, East of Sam Ouandja.”

The early morning raid according to the UPDF statement targeted three camps belonging to the notorious and fugitive Kony in the Central African Republic.

“All camps were destroyed, and equipment was captured. Remnants of the LRA still taking refuge in CAR or elsewhere on the African continent will be hunted down,” the statement read in part.

The UPDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye when contacted confirmed the operation, saying: “That’s what it is, confirmed.” 

While the details of the operation remain scanty, sources suggest that the commandos employed advanced tactics and technology to catch the LRA off guard.

A source familiar with the operation intimately told this website that the UPDF’s action is a major blow to the LRA’s operational capabilities and a significant step towards the total defeat of the LRA and Kony.

Today’s development comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) closed its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda.

Kony is being hunted for 12 counts of crimes against humanity (murder, enslavement, sexual enslavement, rape, inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 21 counts of war crimes (murder, cruel treatment of civilians, intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population, pillaging, inducing rape, and forced enlistment of children) allegedly committed in 2003 and 2004 in northern Uganda.

The UPDF says “Unless they surrender to the authorities for proper processing and rehabilitation, they will continue to be considered criminals.”

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