Alessandra Ciffo
On March
7th, on Amaq Agency, the Islamic State
(IS) released two different photo reports showing the results of the clashes
and armed conducted in Nigeria and Niger by the IS West Africa Province (ISWAP)[1].
[1] ISWAP is one of the official “wilayah” (province) recognized by the IS Central covering the Western Africa area, mostly active in Nigeria, Niger, and Chad.
The first
reportage shows in 8 photos the results of a series of clashes and a Suicide
Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) (SVBIED)[2]
with various types of weapons[3],
from February 28th to March 3rd, between ISWAP mujahideen and Nigerian Army
(NA) and Nigerian African Union militias patrols and foot patrol near Algarno
forests, Borno State, areas known to be IS controlled due to the presence of
numerous ISWAP positions. The attacks led to the killing of at least 20 and the injuring of others among NA and
Nigerian African Union militia members, the escape of others, the damage of
several vehicles, and the destruction of a four-wheel drive vehicle.
[2] The SVBIED happened during the
attacks on February 28th. The IS recognized the “martyr” as Harun
Al-Ansari.
[3] Through a deep examination of the footage collected,
there were different weapons involved, including Technical vehicles (civilian vehicles, in general, Toyota, with improvised weapons installation),
wheeled armored fighting vehicles, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), and soft light weapons.
The second 4
images photo report published by Amaq Agency shows the results of the armed
assault of ISWAP militants against a Nigerien Army barracks in Bana town, Diffa region,
Niger using diverse weapons, during which one soldier was killed and others
were injured. Moreover, as shown in one of the footage collected above, the
mujahideen were able to seize numerous weapons and personal equipment,
including a few helmets, a four-wheel drive vehicle, and some ammunition.
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