Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) successfully repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on their base in Darak, Cameroon, early Wednesday morning.
The attack, which occurred around 1 a.m., was met with a strong counteroffensive from the MNJTF forces.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the MNJTF troops killed at least six ISWAP fighters and injured four others during the operation. Five MNJTF personnel were also injured in the clash.
The publication further revealed that there has been a leadership change within ISWAP.
Abu Usman has reportedly replaced Abu Sale as the new Fiye (leader) of Marte, a development that could have implications for the group’s operations in the region.
Intelligence sources suggest that ISWAP is planning an attack on either Wulgo in Marte Local Government Area, Borno State, or Malam Fatori.
The group has reportedly acquired three additional gun trucks, increasing their fleet to 10, in an effort to enhance their operational capabilities.
The MNJTF, a collaborative force involving several countries in the Lake Chad Basin, remains on high alert as ISWAP continues to pose a significant security threat in the region.