Mali’s military government announced on Monday that its forces, in collaboration with those of Burkina Faso and Niger, have successfully eliminated a prominent Islamic State commander, Abu Huzeifa, during a joint operation. Huzeifa, who carried a $5 million bounty on his head, has been implicated in a series of significant attacks across Africa’s Sahel region, including the fatal assault on four U.S. soldiers. Analysts speculate that the junta may leverage this achievement to validate its continued hold on power.
According to Malian authorities, the operation leading to the demise of the Islamic State commander, known by the alias Higgo, unfolded in the northern region of Menaka. Huzeifa, a Moroccan national, was sought for his involvement in terrorist activities resulting in civilian and security personnel casualties, notably the 2017 incident in Niger which claimed the lives of four American servicemen.
In a late Monday statement, the Malian military while confirming the demise of Abu Huzeifa or Higgo, described him as a notorious foreign terrorist. A photograph aired on state television depicted Huzeifa clad in military attire, sporting a lengthy black beard, and carrying a firearm.
This development follows the recent establishment of a joint military force comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger aimed at combating insurgent factions. The three West African nations have been struggling with persistent terror threats and assaults carried out by both Islamic State and al-Qaida.
Over the past years, terror-related assaults have exacted a heavy toll, claiming thousands of lives and displacing over 500,000 individuals from their residences in the Sahel region. Additionally, these groups stand accused of perpetrating terrible human rights violations against the populace residing in territories under their oppression.
Just like in Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali’s military ousted the civilian-led administration, citing its slowness in tackling jihadist elements. Moreover, Mali’s government directed French troops to exit the country in 2022 and called for the closure of the U.N. mission there the subsequent year. Concurrently, it forged closer ties with the Russian government and the Wagner mercenary outfit.
Mali has struggled with an escalating insurgency perpetrated by jihadist factions affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State for over a decade. Moreover, the country has experienced two coups since 2020 amidst a surge of military coups in West and Central Africa.
