RIVM number 2 shot down by French forces in northern Mali
(B2) Les forces françaises de l’opération française Barkhane ont « neutralisé » dans l’après midi de jeudi (21 février) « un des principaux responsables terroristes dans la région de Tombouctou », Yahia Abou Hamman, membre d’al-Qaïda au Maghreb islamique (AQMI)
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 " identifié au sein d’un groupe de véhicules en progression au Nord de Tombouctou ». L’opération a été particulièrement complexe, combinant moyens motorisés terrestres et héliportés avec un drone Reaper en soutien.
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. » précise le général François Lecointre, chef d’état-major des armées (CEMA). « EIt testifies to the high level of expertise acquired by the French military in the conduct of complex operations. »
(NGV)