Troops neutralize 24 terrorists after three hours of gun battle

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Sector 2, have killed at least 24 terrorists.

A statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel, Sani Uba said the operation was carried out during a “determined terrorist attack on Kukareta location” Thursday morning.

According to the statement, the attack, which “commenced shortly after midnight and lasted until about 0300 hours, was met with a swift and coordinated response by vigilant troops who executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action, effectively containing the assault and forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal.

“During the engagement, troops inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with 24 terrorists neutralised so far.

“Ongoing exploitation of the battlefield has led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including 18 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 2 PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, 3 RPG tubes, 2 mortar tubes, 4 hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.

“Troops recorded 2 personnel wounded in action, who have been stabilised, while one reinforcing armoured tank sustained damage with all tyres blown out during the engagement.

“Exploitation operations are ongoing to recover additional bodies and equipment along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes littered with blood trails and medical consumables.

“This successful operation highlights the resilience, combat readiness and fire superiority of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.

“Operations will continue with sustained offensive pressure to consolidate gains and decisively defeat all terrorist elements across the Joint Operations Area”.