Air strikes destroy two ISWAP gun trucks in Borno
Air assets of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have reportedly destroyed two gun trucks and killed fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, reported that the terrorists were targeted in Aduwa village, Guzamala LGA of Borno State.
The operation was carried out on August 21 against ISWAP fighters in the area, as part of efforts to disrupt their formations and movements around the Lake Chad axis.
“According to intelligence sources, the air strikes were highly effective, with all personnel observed at the targeted location assessed to be ISWAP fighters,” Makama reported.
“The intelligence indicated that two terrorist gun trucks were destroyed during the strikes, with one of the vehicles reportedly completely burnt in the attack.
“Following the strikes, surviving terrorists were observed attempting to evacuate casualties from the area.
“The intelligence further indicated that terrorists were seen towing another damaged vehicle while evacuating several wounded fighters around Gudumbali, apparently moving towards the Lake Chad area.
“The intelligence indicated that two terrorist gun trucks were destroyed during the strikes, with one of the vehicles reportedly completely burnt in the attack.
“Following the strikes, surviving terrorists were observed attempting to evacuate casualties from the area.
“The intelligence further indicated that terrorists were seen towing another damaged vehicle while evacuating several wounded fighters around Gudumbali, apparently moving towards the Lake Chad area.
“The movement is believed to be part of efforts by the surviving elements to recover their wounded fighters and withdraw from the affected area following the air strikes.
“The precise number of terrorists killed and wounded in the operation was not immediately established, while the identities of senior ISWAP commanders who may have been eliminated are still being verified.”
Makama said additional battle damage assessment and intelligence gathering would provide more information about the casualties.
The operation forms part of Operation Hadin Kai’s ongoing air and ground campaign aimed at disrupting ISWAP’s command structures, fighters, logistics and movements in the north-east.
Security forces are expected to continue surveillance and offensive operations to stop surviving ISWAP fighters from regrouping and rebuilding their positions in the affected area.
