Uganda says rebel attack won't deter DR Congo operation

KAMPALA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military on Tuesday condemned the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels attack on the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) that left three soldiers dead.

Ugandan military spokesperson Richard Karemire told Xinhua that the Monday ADF attack on FARDC's Muzambay base in North Kivu Province is a desperate attempt to survive after Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) attacks and ongoing ground offensive by Congolese troops.

At least three FARDC soldiers were reportedly killed and five others wounded while repelling the ADF attack.

"The reported attacks by the ADF on friendly forces will not deter the regional efforts to wipe them," said Karemire.

"UPDF will continue coordinating with FARDC in its operations against these enemies of peace," he said.

The ADF attack came barely two days after the Congolese army had on Saturday announced an offensive against the rebel group, accused of killing 14 Tanzanian Blue Helmets and five FARDC soldiers, serving under the UN mission, last month.

ADF, which was originally based in western Uganda before fleeing to eastern DRC, has been accused of increased killings and massacres of troops and civilians, rape and abduction over the past three months in eastern DRC, according to Congolese authorities. Enditem