Mali Military Kills Senior Islamic State Commander Abu Huzeifa in Joint Operation

Mali's military announced that its forces, kill, senior, figure in a joint operation with Burkina Faso and Niger, have killed a senior Islamic State commander named Abu Huzeifa in the Menaka region. Huzeifa, also known as Higgo, was a Moroccan national and a commander in IS's self-styled Sahel Province. He was wanted by the U.S. government in connection with a 2017 attack on a U.S. Special Forces team in Niger that resulted in the deaths, us, forces, killed of four American and four Nigerien soldiers.

The operation was described as a victory against the "bane of evil" as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all suffered from relentless attacks by top, militant, deadly, us, soldiers. The three countries are under military rule and have been developing close links with Russia while cutting ties with Western allies, including the U.S., and welcoming Russian military help while forcing troops from other countries to leave.

The U.S. State Department had offered a $5 million reward for information about Huzeifa and his alleged role in the 2017 attack near the village of Tongo Tongo in Niger. "The identification and evidence gathered prove he was a foreign terrorist of great renown," the Malian army stated, confirming Huzeifa's death.

Why this matters: The killing of Abu Huzeifa is a significant blow to the Islamic State's operations in the Sahel region, where the group has been expanding its presence and carrying out deadly attacks. It also highlights the growing security cooperation between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as they battle a worsening insurgency that has destabilized the region.

Experts say the killing of a terror group leader rarely changes the attacks against civilians and security forces, as the group may have a succession plan in place. However, the Malian government is likely to use this success to justify its continued stay in power, as it has been cracking down on civil liberties and media freedoms. The killing comes amid Mali's strained relations with France and the United Nations, and its claims, killing, extremist ties with Russia and the Wagner mercenary group.

Key Takeaways

• Mali's forces killed senior ISIS commander Abu Huzeifa, wanted for 2017 attack on US troops.
• The operation was a joint effort between Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger against militant groups.
• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have been developing ties with Russia, cutting links with West.
• Killing of Huzeifa is a blow to ISIS in the Sahel, but may not stop attacks on civilians.
• Mali claims the killing justifies its continued rule, amid strained relations with France and UN.