Menaka Region, Mali – Mali’s state tv has reported the loss of life of Abu Huzeifa, a senior Islamic State commander with a US bounty of $5 million on his head, throughout a coordinated navy operation within the northern city of Indelimane, Menaka area.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Abu Huzeifa, additionally identified by the nom de guerre Higgo, was a Moroccan nationwide and a infamous determine inside the Islamic State’s self-proclaimed Sahel Province.
He had been implicated in quite a few assaults throughout the Sahel area, together with the lethal 2017 raid that resulted within the deaths of 4 American troopers and several other Nigerien troops.
The profitable operation marks a big victory for the navy coalitions of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which have been underneath navy rule and have skilled extreme disruptions resulting from jihadist insurgency.
These international locations have more and more sought the assist of Russian navy advisors and sources, concurrently distancing themselves from conventional Western allies, together with the United States.
The elimination of Abu Huzeifa underscores the advanced geopolitical dynamics within the Sahel, the place international locations are navigating their safety insurance policies amidst shifting alliances.
The operation additionally highlights the continuing efforts by native governments to fight the pervasive menace of jihadist teams within the area.
The loss of life of this key Islamic State determine is seen as an important blow to the operational capabilities of jihadists within the Sahel, doubtlessly destabilizing their actions within the area.
It additionally signifies a strengthening of navy cooperation amongst Sahel international locations as they align extra intently with non-Western companions to boost their protection capabilities towards rebel threats.
https://www.africanexponent.com/senior-islamic-state-commander-with-5-million-bounty-killed-in-joint-operation/