Al Qaeda leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar killed in Mali operation by Chadian troops

GlobalPost

A day after announcing the killing of Abu Zeid, a chief of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, in a military operation, Chad said its troops had killed another Qaeda leader: Mokhtar Belmokhtar.

France — which has been using air strikes to flush out militants from mountain hideaways — has not confirmed the killing of either Abu Zeid or Belmokhtar.

Belmokhtar, Reuters wrote, was the Qaeda commander who masterminded a bloody hostage-taking at an Algerian gas plant in January.

The news outlet cited a statement from Chad's armed forces describing the operation that killed Belmokhtar:

"On Saturday, March 2, at noon, Chadian armed forces operating in northern Mali completely destroyed a terrorist base …. The toll included several dead terrorists, including their leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar."

Belmokhtar's death was announced on Chadian state television, but has not been confirmed by other sources, the BBC wrote.

The statement read out on Chadian TV said:

"Chadian forces in Mali completely destroyed the main jihadist base in the Adrar de Ifhogas mountains… killing several terrorists including leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar."

The death of one of the world's most wanted jihadists would be a blow to Islamist militants in Mali, who have already been beaten back from strongholds in the country's north in an offensive by French and African troops.

Chad's president, Idriss Deby, said Friday that his troops had killed Abu Zeid, among 40 militants who died. That operation — like Saturday's, which reportedly killed Belmokhtar — took place near the Algerian border.

More from GlobalPost: Chad president confirms Al Qaeda senior militant Abu Zeid's death

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!