Military airstrikes eliminates terrorists in Niger

Scores of suspected terrorists were reportedly killed in airstrikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region, the airstrikes were conducted on June 29 and also disrupted the movement of armed groups operating in the area.

The publication said the operation was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence that more than 200 suspected terrorists riding on motorcycles were moving along the Sangeko–Dogon Dawa–Womba axis.

Makama said the group was planning coordinated attacks and reinforcing criminal enclaves within the Kamuku forest corridor.

“In response, the Air Component immediately launched an Armed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) mission using the military aircraft to conduct extensive aerial reconnaissance over Womba, Dogon Dawa, Kurugin, Birnin Gwari, Polewaya and Udawa,” Makama said.

“During the mission, the aircrew positively identified a group of terrorists travelling on three motorcycles en route to the Kamuku Forest.

“Following positive target identification and in line with established Rules of Engagement, the aircraft engaged the hostile elements with precision munitions, successfully neutralising them.”

Makama said a subsequent battle damage assessment, carried out in coordination with ground troops, confirmed the killing of the suspected terrorists.

The publication added that follow-up surveillance detected no further suspicious movement or emerging threats within the operational area.

Makama reported that in a separate but complementary mission on the same day, the aircraft conducted another armed reconnaissance operation over Dogon Dawa, Kurugin Maidawa and surrounding areas.

“During the surveillance, several terrorists mounted on motorcycles were observed converging at a logistics and refuelling point, an indication of preparations for further movement and possible offensive operations,” Makama said.

“Recognising the location as a critical terrorist logistics node, the aircrew executed a carefully coordinated precision strike, destroying the concentration and neutralising a significant number of the terrorists.

“The operation was executed with exceptional precision, professionalism and adherence to operational procedures, with no reported collateral damage.”

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