MOZAMBIQUE: SADC forces Gun-down terrorist leader as insurgents flee

By: ollus Ndomu

A joint operation of forces from Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho and Mozambique have gunned down Sheik Njile, a leader of Al Sunnah Wa Jama’ah terror group, operating in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.

According to local media, Sheik Njile was killed over the weekend when SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) Special Forces raided a terrorist camp where 18 other members of his group were killed.

During the operation, SADC soldiers also captured an insurgent training camp in Cabo Delgado province and rescued three elderly women that were held captive.

Several dangerous weapons including a vast cache of military training books and communication devices were seized as forces took over the training camp.

In an emailed statement, SAMIM spokesperson, Major Patrick Mfaladi said his group launched an offensive on September 14 in an area South of Messalo River in Cabo Delgado province:

“The base is believed to be known as ‘Sheik Ibrahim Base’ and was used as a training camp by the insurgency group.”

“Furthermore, light and heavy weapons were also seized left behind by the insurgents. “

Maj. Mfaladi further said the capture of Sheik training base will help SAMIM forces understand the whereabouts including level of damage caused by insurgent groups.

“This capture and discovery will provide more insight on the operations of the insurgency group and provide SADC countries with information on the threat level of terrorism and extremism in the region.”

SAMIM forces driving through Cabo Delgado North

The death of the terrorist leader who was instrumental in the recruitment and training of forces including the orchestration of major attacks in Mocimboa da Praia and Cabo Delgado is a big win for peace loving Mozambicans but a great loss to armed groups.