Nigeria, US Intensify Joint Offensive Against ISIS In Fresh Airstrikes
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters, in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has intensified ongoing military operations against ISIS-linked terrorists in Nigeria’s North East, executing fresh coordinated airstrikes on insurgent positions around Metele in Borno State.
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued to defence correspondents in Abuja on Monday, revealing that the latest strikes targeted gatherings and movements of terrorist fighters in the area.
TheFact Daily notes that the latest operation comes barely days after the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki on Saturday and forms part of sustained efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny insurgents freedom of movement and eliminate safe havens across Nigeria.
According to the statement, the multiple air interdictions led to the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters following confirmed intelligence on the convergence of terrorist elements in the area.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated,” the statement said.
It further declared that there would be “no safe haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria” as security forces sustain pressure on insurgent groups across the country.
