Air strikes in Malam Fatori deliver major blow to ISWAP terrorists

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully executed a series of air interdiction strikes against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the strategic town of Malam Fatori on December 15, 2024, killing several terrorists.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a security expert in the Lake Chad region that a significant gathering of ISWAP militants was identified around Malam Fatori.

Reconnaissance missions were said to have identified several vehicles and motorcycles purportedly being utilized for militant movements and logistics support by the terrorists.

However, military aircraft were deployed to engage these identified assets in a coordinated operation involving advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities.

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According to the source, as the aircraft swooped down with surgical precision, some vehicles and motorcycles were obliterated, resulting in a substantial loss of equipment for the terrorists.

Sources said a series of explosions reverberated through the town, accompanied by thick clouds of smoke rising from the impact sites.The sources confirmed that the operation resulted in the deaths of numerous ISWAP militants, with estimates suggesting that the casualty count may be in the dozens.

The air strikes in Malam Fatori were part of a broader strategy in Operation Hadin Kai aimed at restoring security in northeastern Nigeria.

Ground forces, backed by the aerial campaign, have been actively engaging ISWAP elements, and air superiority has proven vital in these operations, sources said.