The Digest:
Nigerian Air Force airstrikes targeting terrorists in Borno State on Sunday killed an unspecified number of civilians, including fishermen and drivers, just hours after the force vowed to prioritize civilian safety in its operations.
Key Points:
- Nigerian Air Force airstrikes in Mararaba, Kukawa LGA, Borno State, killed civilians on December 14.
- The strikes occurred between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., targeting an area used by fishermen and commercial drivers.
- A security source confirmed at least three casualties and the destruction of 10 vehicles, with many injured taken to Mungono General Hospital.
- The incident happened hours after the NAF reaffirmed its commitment to "civilian safety in operations" following collaboration with U.S. experts.
- A NAF pilot suggested the strike was based on false intelligence, noting the area is a transit route, not a terrorist settlement.
- Civilians in the area reportedly pay taxes to ISWAP for access to fish and farm, complicating the operational landscape.
- This adds to a documented history of accidental civilian bombings by the Nigerian military in conflict zones since 2014.
Sources: Premium Times
