…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
A school attack carried out by militants linked to the Islamic State in Uganda has resulted in the deaths of at least 41 individuals.
Late on Friday, members of the rebel group known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched an assault on Lhubiriha secondary school in Mpondwe.
Rampage of Violence and Abductions
During the attack, the assailants set fire to a dormitory, looted food supplies, and abducted people.
Mpondwe-Lhubiriha mayor, Selevest Mapoze, reported that the casualties include 38 pupils, one guard, and two local community members who were shot outside the school.
The victims endured various forms of violence, including being burned to death, shot, or attacked with machetes.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
At present, eight individuals remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Authorities are working diligently to provide support to the survivors and ensure their recovery.
Escape and Pursuit
Following the attack, the ADF militants fled in the direction of Virunga National Park in the neighboring Congo.
Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators in an attempt to bring them to justice.
A Persistent Insurgency
The ADF rebels initiated their insurgency against President Yoweri Museveni in the 1990s, originating from a base in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Although the Ugandan military largely quelled the group, remnants managed to escape across the border into the dense jungles of eastern Congo.
From this stronghold, they have continued to perpetrate attacks on civilian and military targets in both Congo and Uganda.
Previous Attacks and Ongoing Threat
In April, the ADF carried out an assault on a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals.
These incidents highlight the persistent threat posed by the group and the need for continued efforts to combat their insurgency.
Conclusion:
The recent attack on Lhubiriha secondary school in Uganda by militants linked to the Islamic State has left 41 people dead, including students, a guard, and members of the local community.
As authorities pursue the perpetrators, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the ADF and the necessity of sustained efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.