Since then they have pledged allegiance to Islamic State and maintained their insurgency, attacking civilian and military targets in both Congo and Uganda. Congo army spokesperson Antony Mwalushay told Reuters that after sometimes lengthy spells in the camps, the women can have valuable insight on the group's operations that helps counter-insurgency efforts. So far this year the army has questioned around 425 women, who had been freed or escaped from rebels since January, including Mariam, Mwalushay said. Speaking to Reuters in the yard of the centre, Mariam described how she was coerced into moving to the rebel camp. Another 22-year old woman who ended up in an ADF camp when her husband signed up, said she was surprised by the strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.

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Persons: Yassin Kombi, Muiysa, Mariam, Antony Mwalushay, Mwalushay, Sonia Rolley, Alessandra Prentice, Alexandra Hudson Organizations: Congolese, Allied Democratic Forces, Islamic, Reuters, ADF Locations: Muiysa BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ugandan, Islamic State, Uganda, Congo, Beni