The Democratic Republic of Congo national army, FARDC Friday night thwarted a rebel attack on a prison in the eastern part of the country, the army has confirmed.
Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels reportedly tried to storm the area surrounding the jail in Beni in conflict-torn North Kivu province on Friday night. The attack had aimed to liberate ADF commandos incarcerated in the prison, according to the army, adding that it inflicted “heavy losses” on the militants.
On 20th October 2020, more than 1,300 prisoners escaped from the same jail after suspected Islamist rebels attacked the facility.
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) was thought to have launched the assault to free its members.
Only about 100 inmates remained in Kangbayi Prison.
The ADF was formed more than 20 years ago in neighbouring Uganda to fight alleged discrimination against Muslims.
It relocated to eastern DR Congo after being driven out from its bases by the Ugandan military.