ISWAP second in command killed as military steps up Sambisa offensive
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed Abu Khalid, the reported second in command of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during a major night offensive in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State. The operation, launched around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area, also resulted in the elimination of at least 10 other fighters linked to the terror group. A military source described Abu Khalid as a key figure in the insurgent hierarchy, responsible for coordinating operations and logistics across the Sambisa axis. The latest success came less than 24 hours after troops neutralised another top ISWAP commander, Julaibib, during a fierce battle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area. The back to back blows are seen as a significant disruption of the group’s command structure in the North East. […]