Order returns to Kidal - ADANews - Sept 20. 2020

[MSgt Falconer]

Order returns to Kidal.

 

A sense of order and normalcy has been returned to the Malian city of Kidal. The city was recently a heavily contested battleground between Malian, French and US Forces on one side and the islamic extremists of Boko Haram on the other. Boko Haram was able to secure large parts of the city in a surprise attack following a mutiny in the Malian army. The French and Malian forces present in Kidal were pushed back to the large military base just outside the city or confined in pockets scattered arun the city. A successful counterattack spearheaded by American Special Forces saw much of the city regained, however Boko Haram managed to set off several chemical weapons, initially believed to be Sarin gas, across the city. Decontamination work is expected to be ongoing for at least the coming month.

 

Despite the lingering chemical threat the Mayor of Kidal alongside representatives of the Malian government as well as the French and American military held a large press conference in the city regarding the current status of military operations and their successes against Boko Haram. It was declared that Martial law will be lifted and additional IDAP assets be brought in as soon as French EOD techs have cleared safe passages through the heavily booby trapped parts of the city.

 

The Mayor of Kidal arrives at FOB Botieux under heavy guard.

During the press conference the Mayor layed out grand plans for the revitalization of Kidal. French and US forces are expected to remain in the region for an initial stabilization period where these troops will be patrolling the city and eliminating remaining pockets of Boko Haram resistance.

 

Simon Tam
ADANews
Africa Division