In a series of recent airstrikes, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reportedly has unleashed severe attacks on the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), killing its numerous fighters and top leaders with attendant destruction of its key armoury and strongholds.
Two Super Tucano aircraft were said to have targeted ISWAP bases in the Southern Lake Chad Region on August 16, 2024, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. local time. These strikes, were executed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, caused heavy casualties and destruction, including the obliteration of several pieces of equipment and water vessels, as well as the elimination of numerous fighters.
The operation by the Nigerian Air Force reportedly has weakened ISWAP considerably, and the group is now trying to conceal the extent of its losses to prevent an offensive from its rival group, Boko Haram (Western Learning Forbidden).