Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province fighters on a forward operating base in Mandaragirau, killing at least 38 insurgents.

According to a statement issued by the task force’s spokesman, Sani Uba, the assault occurred on Saturday morning and was met with a swift and coordinated counter-offensive by ground troops. The attackers were forced into a chaotic retreat as troops held their positions.

The air component of the operation provided close air support during the engagement, enhancing the effectiveness of the response and targeting fleeing insurgents.

Follow-up operations along the withdrawal routes of the attackers led to further casualties among the militants, bringing the confirmed number of those killed to 38.

Local sources also reported sighting over 30 additional bodies of insurgents along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis extending into the Timbuktu Triangle, where troops also recovered several weapons.