Deadly ISIS Attack Targets African Forces In Northeastern Nigeria

The Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) has launched a deadly assault on the headquarters of African Union forces in northeastern Nigeria. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, May 26, left dozens of casualties in its wake.

According to reports, ISWAP terrorists stormed the encampment near the village of Toumboma in the Borno state, with one of the group’s members, identified as Abu Fatima al-Ansari, detonating a suicide vehicle-borne explosive device among the African forces.

The ISIS news sources claim that the attack resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of African soldiers, while also destroying or disabling four military vehicles. This latest strike comes amid a surge in ISWAP operations against the Nigerian army and its allies in the Borno state over the past 20 days.

Just days before the Toumboma assault, ISIS terrorists had targeted the headquarters of the African Union’s anti-ISIS forces in the town of Doronária on May 18. After fierce clashes and a suicide attack, the group claimed to have killed or wounded more than 40 African forces in that earlier incident.

The recent attacks highlight the challenges faced by the African Union and Nigerian forces in their efforts to maintain security and stability in the conflict-torn area.