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The Nigerian military in collaboration with the United States Africa Command (US-Africom) reportedly killed 21 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in an air strike in Arege, Kukawa LGA of Borno state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the operation took place on Saturday after intelligence and surveillance confirmed the presence of ISWAP fighters in the area.
Makama said the strike hit a terrorist camp where the insurgents were reportedly planning attacks in the Lake Chad region.
“The precision engagement resulted in the elimination of 21 terrorists and caused significant disruption to the operational capabilities of the criminal elements,” Makama said.
“The sources further stated that the operation formed part of sustained US-Nigeria coordinated efforts to degrade terrorist networks, destroy their sanctuaries and deny them freedom of action across the North-East theatre.”
The publication reported that the strike was “intelligence-driven” and “carefully executed”.
“Military authorities noted that the successful mission illustrates the growing synergy between Nigerian security forces and international partners in combating terrorism and enhancing regional security,” Makama said.
“The operation is also expected to further weaken terrorist activities around the Lake Chad Basin, where remnants of insurgent groups continue to attempt regrouping and launching attacks on isolated communities.”
The latest operation comes weeks after more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters were killed in a series of joint US-Nigeria air strikes in Metele, Borno state.
