France announced that its military has killed the leader of the Islamic State in Greater Sahara, Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi. French President Emmanuel Macron described the assassination of Sahrawi as a "major success" in the country's fight against terrorist groups in the region.
Sahrawi's assassination comes just a few months after Islamic State fighters celebrated the anniversary of the killing of 28 troops during an ambush in the western Tillabéri region of Niger.
Macron did not say where Sahrawi was killed. However, experts said the Islamic State group is most active near the border between Mali and Niger, which means that he may have been killed during an encounter within the area. Macron said Sahrawi was "neutralized by French forces." He did not specify whether Sahrawi's death was through a targeted operation.
After confirming Sahrawi's death, Macron reiterated France's resolve to continue its fight against Islamic militants in Africa. While Macron had previously announced that the nation would be halving its military presence in the region, he assured the public that the deaths of French soldiers in the region would not be in vain.
"Their sacrifice is not in vain. With our African, European and American partners, we will continue this fight," Macron said.
Sahrawi is the leader of the Islamic State group in the Sahel region. He was responsible for several attacks that resulted in the deaths of French and U.S. troops and civilians.
Last year, Sahrawi had personally ordered the murder of six French aid workers and their Nigerian driver. He also led attacks on U.S. soldiers, including a brutal attack in 2017 that killed four U.S. troops.
Sahrawi was the most wanted jihadist in the Sahel region. The U.S. had a $5 million bounty for Sahrawi's head. He was a member of the Katiba Tarik ibn Zayd Al-Qaeda unit before he formed the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.
Under his rule, strict Sharia law was imposed in the region. This included mandatory coverings for women and the stripping of their rights to education and employment. The cutting off of hands of thieves and public executions were implemented. He also banned alcohol, tobacco, music, and sports.
