Illustrative image.
On December 11, ISIS wing in Western Africa, the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP), confronted a large unit of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) that advanced towards its areas in the northeastern state of Borno.
ISWAP terrorists clashed with the large NAF unit, which was moving in a convoy of some 60 vehicles, near the town of Mallamfatori.
During the clashes, a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeted Nigerian forces. Amaq, ISIS’ official news agency, identified the suicide bomber in a report released on December 14 as “Othman al-Ansari”.
Amaq also shared photos showing the aftermath of the suicide attack, which claimed the lives of several Nigerian service members and destroyed a number of armored vehicles.
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According to ISWAP, the successful suicide attack forced the NAF to withdraw it unit and end its attack. The group’s claims have not been verified, yet.
ISWAP cells stepped up their operations in northeastern Nigeria, mainly in the provinces of Borno and Yobe, in the last few months. Nigerian government forces operate nonstop against the terrorists group. However, the group continues to spread its radical ideology in the northeastern region with much success.
Let me make the first non spam comment on this article: from the photos ISIS obviously controlled the site in the aftermath of the attack, while fires were still burning, so its claim is probably correct.