Scores of militants have reportedly been killed in a series of renewed clashes between rival terrorist factions, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), within the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains in Borno State.
According to security sources, the intense fighting, which spanned nearly a week, began on January 3 when ISWAP fighters launched coordinated assaults on Boko Haram positions in the Ali Ngulde area of the Mandara Mountains. The ISWAP offensive, led by commanders identified as Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, was met with heavy resistance from Boko Haram forces under field commander Abu-Rijal, also known as Ba-Sulhu.
Initial engagements resulted in significant ISWAP casualties, with dozens of its fighters reported dead or captured. Boko Haram fighters also seized several weapons, including rifles and a machine gun.
The conflict escalated again on January 6, when ISWAP carried out a retaliatory attack on a Boko Haram camp in the Sabil Huda sector. Hours of intense fighting reportedly led to the death of at least 12 Boko Haram militants, with ISWAP capturing additional weaponry.
The violence has displaced families affiliated with Boko Haram, forcing women and children to flee towards the Yale General area.
These clashes highlight the ongoing and violent rivalry between the two groups
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