Such a show of force by the “Islamic State” (EIGS) in the Great Sahara is unprecedented. Following the death of Abu al-Hassan al-Hachim al-Qurachi, the Islamic State’s self-proclaimed “caliph” in the Iraqi-Syrian zone, on November 30, many EI-affiliated groups pledged allegiance to his successor, Abu al-Hussein. al-Husaini al-Qurachi. Responding to the call of the spokesperson of the terrorist organization, various “provincesIn Africa, the Islamic State group has organized declarations of allegiance from Nigeria to Mozambique.
Among them is the Sahelian sector, which was created as “province“Last March. In the photos posted by the organization on Telegram 1eh In December, hundreds of jihadists armed with Kalashnikovs can be seen on light motorcycles, escorted by 4x4s, raising the seal of Muhammad, the IS standard, a black flag.
“Z:air exclusion one» for jihadists
What to make of these images revealed by the organization? According to experts, the sightings are taking place in the south of Menaka, as well as in an area known as “from three borders”, between Burkina, Niger and Mali. The weapons seen are mainly AK-47 assault rifles and AA52 machine guns. “We also see several 12.7 and 14.5 mm cannons, ZU-23 twin-barreled machine guns, RPG7 rocket launchers. main weapon analysis by Wasim Nasr, France 24 journalist and authorIslamic State: a fait accompli (Plon Publications, 2016).
Where does this arsenal come from? Just “spoils of war“, accumulated”through battles against local armies and rival groups, whether Tuareg or linked to al-Qaeda– continues the expert. in the province ofthree borders“Islamic State jihadists and those linked to al-Qaeda are in fierce conflict, which has increased in recent months due to the withdrawal of French forces.
“Observers were unaware that EIGS had recovered significant arsenals over the years. What is unprecedented is the possibility of such gatherings, unhindered, without fear of any strike“, says Wasim Nasr. An impunity that did not exist when the Barkhane force, supported by Reaper drones, controlled the area and maintained the strike force. Speeding up the departure of French forces.In Bamako, the junta has managed to create a de facto no-fly zone for the jihadists, facilitating communication between districts, holding commanders’ meetings, moving men and such large gatherings.– emphasizes the journalist.
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communication exploitation
Another important element is the length of the columns as far as the eye can see, which indicates considerable numerical strength. “This number of fighters is impressive, especially coming from EIGS, which has long had a reputation as a small mobile and powerful group.– confirms Jalil Lounnas, associate professor of international relations at Al Akhawain University in Morocco and an expert on terrorism in the Sahel.It’s a show of strength. With these images, the EIGS now appears to be strengthening in numbers while maintaining the mobility that has always been its strength, with light weapons, vehicles and motorcycles.“.
The communications operation was going well. A clear proof of this is the one and a half month delay between the death of the former caliph in mid-October and the publication of allegiances. “This delay time corresponds to the IS media time, explains Wasim Nasr. While some areas such as the Middle East are easily accessible, communication in the Sahel region is more difficult. But everything is very centralized inside IS. The organization undoubtedly left time for each group to transmit the images, in a short period of time, and to distribute them en masse. Videos are sure to come soon“, the expert predicts.
Source: Le Figaro
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.