 has appointed Abu Khalifa as its new commander in the Timbuktu Triangle, following the killing of){kind=link}
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has appointed Abu Khalifa as its new commander in the Timbuktu Triangle, following the killing of its former field leader, Julaibib, by Nigerian troops.
Security sources disclosed on Monday that the appointment came after internal consultations within the ISWAP leadership, aimed at quickly restructuring command after Julaibib was neutralised during a military operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Kimba, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Intelligence revealed that Abu Khalifa has been named as the new ISWAP commander in the Timbuktu Triangle to replace Julaibib,” a security source said.
According to the sources, ISWAP is yet to officially appoint a second-in-command, although a fighter identified as Tuja is reportedly being considered by members of the group as the leading candidate for the deputy commander position.
The latest development comes amid sustained military offensives by Operation Hadin Kai troops against ISWAP and Boko Haram enclaves across the southern Borno axis, piling pressure on terrorist networks operating in the region.
source:@ZagazolaMakama
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