Army troops, NAF repel ISWAP attack on New Marte, kill several terrorists in Airstrikes
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army and the Air Component operating under Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on New Marte in Borno State, killing several of the assailants.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama confirmed that the attack occurred at about 1:35 a.m. on Tuesday May 27, when an unconfirmed number of insurgents stormed the location of 50 Task Force Battalion in New Marte.
The troops, supported by a reinforcement team from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and 134 Special Forces Battalion, swiftly engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
According to the report, the Nigerian Air Force component of Operation Hadin Kai provided aerial reconnaissance and offensive support, which played a decisive role in decimating a large number of fleeing insurgents.
The sources said the troops successfully repelled the assault and regained full control of the area, while an ongoing exploitation operation was being carried out to track down surviving elements and recover weapons and logistics used by the terrorists.
Two soldiers unfortunately paid the supreme price. Equipment casualties include damage to one gun truck and a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle tyre,” he said.
The military said additional details, including photographs from the operation, would follow.
The latest attack on New Marte comes amid increased military offensives in the Lake Chad and northern Borno axis, where ISWAP and Boko Haram factions have attempted to reestablish operational footholds.
Meanwhile, the general security situation in Borno remains under close surveillance, with continuous patrols and intelligence gathering aimed at preventing future incursions.
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