Burkina Faso Army Eliminates Key EIGS Leader in Markoye Operation

MARKOYE, Burkina Faso — In a significant military operation, the Burkinabè army neutralized Harouna Oulel, known as Abdel-Malick or Malick, a leading figure in the Islamic State in the Great Sahara (EIGS) on January 21, 2024. This action in the Markoye area dealt a critical blow to the terrorist group, as Oulel was recognized as the number two operational leader of EIGS in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, carrying a bounty of 150 million FCFA due to his high-profile terrorist activities, was targeted in the Markoye zone. Abdel-Malick was traveling from the three-border area towards Markoye (Oudalan) in a pickup loaded with ammunition, accompanied by fighters on motorcycles. The Burkinabè army’s air units meticulously tracked this movement and launched a missile strike during a pause under a shrub, leading to a provisional count of five terrorists neutralized, including Abdel Malick. Additionally, four others were injured, and the operation resulted in the destruction of a pickup vehicle, motorcycles, and weapons.

Harouna Oulel, in his forties and originally from the village of Boula in the commune of Déou, was known for his experience and leadership skills. After training under Abdelhakim Al Sahraoui, alias Bassambo, he quickly rose to prominence as a seasoned fighter. He was known for his involvement in numerous attacks since 2019, mainly against national Defense and Security Forces, specializing in assaults on military convoys and kidnappings. Oulel also played a role in training new recruits in weaponry.

The operation’s success marks a significant stride for the Burkinabè army in its efforts to restore territorial integrity, especially in the northern regions of the country. This victory against a high-ranking EIGS figure emphasizes the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region.