The air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has killed at least nine suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed several vehicles during air strikes around Cross Kauwa and Ali Sherifti in northern Borno State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the operation, which began on June 6, targeted terrorists attempting to regroup within the Lake Chad axis.
Sources told the publication that the mission commenced after an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected suspicious activity at a suspected terrorist hideout in Cross Kauwa.
Makama said aerial surveillance identified about 12 vehicles concealed under trees, while suspected terrorists were seen moving between cover positions to evade detection.
“The discovery pointed to what appeared to be a major terrorist staging area used for logistics, movement coordination and possible attack planning,” Makama said.
“Following confirmation of hostile activity and authorisation from theatre command authorities, a strike aircraft executed a precision attack against a cluster of vehicles within the hideout. The munition struck with remarkable accuracy, resulting in direct hits on four vehicles.
“Almost immediately, flames engulfed the targeted vehicles while terrorists were seen fleeing in different directions in a desperate attempt to escape the destruction.
“Real-time battle damage assessment indicated that the strike had achieved its intended effect, disrupting enemy activities and creating confusion among the insurgents.”
Makama said further surveillance detected additional movement around the area, including three vehicles attempting to withdraw and several fighters seeking cover.
He said the mission shifted focus to the Ali Sherifti area after receiving intelligence that ISWAP fighters were preparing attacks on nearby communities.
The aircraft later identified eight suspected terrorists hiding beneath a tree and carried out a precision strike that killed five of them.
Four other terrorists moving towards a concealed vehicle were also killed, while the vehicle was destroyed.
“Meanwhile, the aircraft continued monitoring the Cross Kauwa target area, observing approximately 10 terrorists attempting to regroup roughly 250 metres south of the initial strike location,” Makama said.
“Several vehicles remained dispersed under tree cover, indicating a residual enemy presence.
“Military sources noted that the operation demonstrated the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-led air power in counter-terrorism operations.”
