Current:Home > StocksMalian army says it killed an Islamic State group commander who attacked U.S., Niger forces-LoTradeCoin
Malian army says it killed an Islamic State group commander who attacked U.S., Niger forces
View Date:2024-12-24 07:31:36
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — A senior Islamic State group commander wanted in connection with the deaths of U.S. forces in Niger was killed in an operation by Malian state forces, the country’s army said.
Abu Huzeifa, known by the alias Higgo, was a commander in the group known as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. The State Department had announced a reward of up to $5 million for information about him.
Huzeifa is believed to have helped carry out an attack in 2017 on U.S. and Nigerien forces in Tongo Tongo, Niger, which resulting in the deaths of four Americans and four Nigerien soldiers. Following the attack, the U.S. military scaled back operations with local partners in the Sahel.
“The identification and clues gathered confirm the death of Abu Huzeifa dit Higgo, a foreign terrorist of great renown,” the Malian army said in a statement late Monday.
Moussa Ag Acharatoumane, the leader of a Tuareg armed group allied with the state, said his forces participated in the operation, and that it took place in the northern region of Mali.
A photo of Huzeifa on state television showed him in army fatigues with a long black beard and a machine gun in his hands.
Mali has experienced two coups since 2020 during a wave of political instability that has swept across West and Central Africa. The country has battled a worsening insurgency by jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group for over a decade.
The killing of the Islamic State group commander over the weekend “could mean less violence against civilians in the area, but the threat remains high since for sure there are leaders with similar brutality ready to take over and prove themselves,” said Rida Lyammouri of the Policy Center for the New South, a Morocco-based think tank.
Col. Assimi Goita, who took charge after the second coup in 2021, has vowed to end the insurgency. His ruling junta has cut military ties with France amid growing frustration with a lack of progress after a decade of assistance, and turned to Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group for security support instead.
Mali has also formed a security alliance with Niger and Burkina Faso, which are also battling worsening insurgencies and have also experienced coups in recent years. Although their militaries promised to end the insurgencies after deposing their respective elected governments, conflict analysts say the violence has instead worsened under their regimes. All three nations share borders in the conflict-hit Sahel region and their security forces are overstretched in fighting the jihadi violence.
veryGood! (66843)
Related
- This is Your Sign To Share this Luxury Gift Guide With Your Partner *Hint* *Hint
- The FDA is weighing whether to approve MDMA for PTSD. Here's what that could look like for patients.
- Jersey Shore police say ‘aggressive’ crowds, not lack of police, caused Memorial weekend problems
- Teen Mom's Maci Bookout Reveals How She and Ryan Edwards Finally Learned to Co-Parent
- 1 million migrants in the US rely on temporary protections that Trump could target
- Olympic gold medal wrestler Gable Steveson signing with Buffalo Bills
- Don't take Simone Biles' greatness for granted. We must appreciate what she's (still) doing.
- Luka Doncic sets tone with legendary start, Mavericks crush Timberwolves to reach NBA Finals
- Wisconsin’s high court to hear oral arguments on whether an 1849 abortion ban remains valid
- Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky says faith in anti-doping policies at 'all-time low'
Ranking
- Princess Kate makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo
- It's Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving vs. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the NBA crown
- Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever edge Angel Reese and Chicago Sky for first home win, 71-70
- Retired Virginia police officer sentenced in deaths of wife and stepdaughter
- Tesla issues 6th Cybertruck recall this year, with over 2,400 vehicles affected
- Romance Writers of America files for bankruptcy after tumultuous split spurred by racism allegations
- TikTok Dads Terrell and Jarius Joseph Want to Remind You Families Come in All Shapes and Sizes
- Caitlin Clark is one of the WNBA's best rebounding guards. Here's how it helps her score
Recommendation
-
Georgia House Democrats shift toward new leaders after limited election gains
-
Mel B's ex-husband sues her for defamation over memoir 'laden with egregious lies'
-
Will Smith makes rare red-carpet outing with Jada Pinkett Smith, 3 children: See photos
-
Whoopi Goldberg makes rare Friday appearance on 'The View' for Donald Trump guilty verdict
-
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are expecting their first child together
-
Texas Supreme Court rejects challenge brought by 20 women denied abortions, upholds ban
-
Brittany Mahomes Shares Fitness Secret That Helped Her Prepare for SI Swimsuit in One Week
-
Marlie Giles' home run helps Alabama eliminate Duke at Women's College World Series