In Brief:
Rebel counter-attacks stepped up

Media reports in Uganda say that the army is joining hands with the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in a joint operation against the Lords’ Resistance Army rebels who ambushed a UPDF convoy on the Yei-Maridi road last week.

Reports said the army has since engaged ground troops as well as helicopter gunships to hunt about 40 LRA rebels who killed four UPDF and two SPLA soldiers.

It is thought that LRA deputy chief Vincent Otti, commanded the October 14 ambush on the convoy of the UPDF 79th Battalion commanding officer, Lt. Col. John Byoma - who survived with injuries.

The rebels are reportedly swapping routes to confuse any troops that maybe following them.