Counterattack in Kidal! - ADANews - Sept 17, 2020

[MSgt Falconer]

Counterattack in Kidal!
America on the offensive

 

American military prowess was on full display yesterday as American air and land forces conducted a coordinated offensive against an airfield on the outskirts of the Malian city of Kidal. Locals reported both airstrikes from American attack helicopters as well as significant amounts of small arms fire in what is reported as a storming of the airfield by US Special Forces. 

 

These news comes shortly after the announcement of the deployment of US troops alongside additional French reinforcements to the country of Mali following the seizure of Kidal by the ISIS-Affiliated terrorist organisation Boko Haram. Boko Haram managed to seize control of the city following a mutiny by parts of the Malian army. The French troops stationed in and near the city were caught off guard and fighting continues to flare up across the city where pockets of French and Malian forces resist Boko Haram’s advance.

 

Early reports of the battle indicate that a number of airstrikes were launched by American and French attack helicopters from the nearby Franco-Malian military base. This was followed up by a ground assault by alleged American special forces who seized the airfield and the surrounding buildings. Many vehicles carrying terrorists were reportedly destroyed as they tried to intervene. The smoke columns can still be seen from a distance.

 

In a press conference held shortly after the battle died down American, French and Malian military commanders stated that the airfield had been secured and will remain in use by the Malian and French forces in the area to bring in humanitarian supplies and evacuate wounded. They also confirmed a “leak” of hazardous chemicals had taken place during the fighting but that it was contained to the airfield and failed to reach the more populated areas of the city.

 

French and Malian troops take control of the Kidal Aerodrome following the successful US assault.

 

Unconfirmed reports indicate at least 30 terrorists were killed in the fighting along with four still unidentified civilians. The bodies have been turned over to Malian authorities. It remains unclear if these civilians were working with Boko Haram, being held as human shields, or were simply unlucky.

 

ADANews will continue to cover this conflict as it progresses.

Simon Tam
ADANews