RIVM number 2 shot down by French forces in northern Mali
(B2) The French forces of the French operation Barkhane "neutralized" on the afternoon of Thursday (February 21) "one of the main terrorist leaders in the region of Timbuktu", Yahia Abou Hamman, a member of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
Three suspect vehicles and an identified leader
According to the official account, this operation was “ triggered following the detection of three vehicles with suspicious behavior progressing north of Timbuktu. He was then " decided to intercept ". More precisely, according to another official account, Yahia Abou Hamman, number two of the RVIM (Rally for the Victory of Islam and Muslims) and head of the Emirate of Timbuktu was " identified within a group of advancing vehicles north of Timbuktu ". The operation was particularly complex, combining motorized ground and helicopter means with a Reaper drone in support.
Eleven terrorists killed
When the commandos approached, the occupants of the vehicles opened fire before being neutralized by the supporting helicopters ". On balance: eleven terrorists put out of action ”, including Yahia Abou Hamman and his two principal assistants who were killed. Pick-ups and weapons were also seized.
A blow for the terrorist group
« This spectacular action materializes years of research. This is a very hard blow for the terrorist groups operating in the Sahel greeted the French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly in a communicated. " The RVIM will have lost three of its main leaders in the space of a year. All were close aides to Iyad Ag Ghaly. The disappearance of a prominent leader makes it possible to dismantle the networks and stem the dynamics of terrorism in the region. Without a leader, there is no more direction or coordination: the fighters are helpless. »
Congratulations from CEMA
« This audacious operation combines methodical and persevering work with the ability to intervene effectively within very short deadlines. says General François Lecointre, Chief of the Defense Staff (CEMA). " EIt testifies to the high level of expertise acquired by the French military in the conduct of complex operations. »
(NGV)
