The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has carried out a precision airstrike on a suspected ISWAP terrorist assembly in Yaganari, Borno State, following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) that tracked the movement of insurgents to a larger gathering.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted in the early hours of July 17 as part of sustained intelligence-driven counterterrorism operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and denying insurgents freedom of movement across the North-East.

According to the sources, an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform established persistent aerial observation over the Yaganari area after receiving credible intelligence on suspected terrorist activities.

During the surveillance mission, aerial operators observed four suspected terrorists moving within the general area. Two of the suspects were subsequently seen walking toward an unidentified location.

The surveillance platform maintained continuous tracking of the suspects, leading to the discovery of a larger gathering of approximately 12 suspected ISWAP fighters assembled beneath a tree.

After confirming the target and ensuring operational parameters were met, a precision strike was executed against the location at about 12:32 a.m., hitting the gathering.

Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted immediately after the strike indicated that an unconfirmed number of the terrorists were neutralised, while several others were seen fleeing from nearby hideouts in different directions.

Sources said aerial surveillance remained focused on the area after the strike to trail the fleeing insurgents and assess further opportunities for follow-on operations.

Military authorities described the operation as another successful intelligence-led strike designed to degrade terrorist leadership and operational capability while limiting opportunities for insurgents to regroup.

The latest strike is part of the ongoing air campaign under Operation HADIN KAI, which has continued to target terrorist enclaves, logistics hubs and movement corridors across Borno State in support of ground operations aimed at restoring lasting security in the North-East. (Zagazola:, excluding headline)

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