NAF deals heavy blow to ISWAP, eliminates scores

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a successful operation against the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Southern Lake Chad Region (LCRBA), inflicting significant casualties on the terrorist group.

The airstrikes, carried out on August 16, 2024, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), targeted ISWAP island bases in Marte Local Government Area (LGA), according to intelligence sources.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security news source in the Lake Chad region, that two Super Tucano aircraft targeted enemy strongholds in the Tombun Baba Jedda and Arainna Soro areas, resulting in substantial damage and casualties.

Damage assessment conducted by sources indicated the destruction of several pieces of equipment and water vessels, as well as the neutralization of numerous fighters at Tombun Baba Jedda.

At Arinna Soro, the damaging airstrikes reportedly hit an ISWAP medical dispensary, immobilizing an uncertain number of vehicles.

Top leaders and commanders were also neutralized, dealing a severe blow to the terrorist organization.

Consequently, ISWAP has reportedly recalled its advance team of fighters sent for rival attack missions at Filin A’Uzo and Dabar Wanzam, indicating high casualties among top commanders.

Sources suggest that ISWAP is attempting to cover up the extent of its losses to avoid an offensive from a rival group called JAS.