French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly tweeted on Thursday that military and intelligence agents had contributed to a “long-term hunt” for the ISIS-GS leader, who described of “decisive blow” for the group.
“This is another important success in our fight against terrorist groups in the Sahel,” tweeted President Macron.
In 2017, Al Sahraoui claimed responsibility for the ambush by U.S. forces in Niger that killed four U.S. soldiers.
He was responsible for the “cowardly and particularly deadly” attacks on civilians and security forces in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, according to a statement from a French presidential spokesman. In August 2020, Al Sahraoui “personally ordered” the killing of six French aid workers and their driver and guide, the statement added.
President Macron announced in June 2021 the end of the current French deployment in the Sahel region, Operation Barkhane, with a gradual step towards a multilateral mission. This would lead to a “profound transformation” of the French military presence in the Sahel, President Macron said on June 10.
According to the French Ministry of Defense, in September, France had 5,100 troops deployed in five countries in the Sahel region: Chad, Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Burkina Faso.
According to the French president, the Takuba working group, a European military working group led by France, which advises, assists and accompanies the armed forces of Mali in the Sahel, will lead the international effort that arrives. The French army will form the “backbone” of this force, complemented by special forces from European countries and partners in the region.
This is a story in development, more to come.