A precision-guided airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the ground troops of Operation HADIN KAI, has eliminated a large number of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
Counter-insurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the air strikes, which were conducted on Monday, 6 November, 2023, followed reports received that indicated a very large influx of ISWAP terrorists into the country through the Nigeria-Niger border along the Komadugu-yobe River.
Acting on the intelligence received, the movement of the terrorists was trailed to a remote location around Asagar village, where they were joined by other terrorists in what seemed like a convergence for a prepared attack.
Sources told Zagazola that the targets were subsequently acquired and delivered with aggressive bombardments, leading to the obliteration of large numbers of the terrorists.
A ground assessment revealed that a number of ISWAP unit commanders and high-value fighters were eliminated, while many more were seriously injured.
Zagazola reports that this is the fourth major successful offensive against ISWAP and Boko Haram positions in the North East within the last seven days.
He said that these military airstrikes and ground offensives have forced the insurgents to adopt new tactics for their operations, which include going on foot rather than Hilux trucks, and spreading their men in very small units and spatial locations to avoid heavy casualties when targeted by airstrikes and artillery shelling.
“The terrorist groups have also focused more of their attacks on vulnerable, local farmers’ communities which lack a strong security presence”, he said.
