DHQ Denies Civilian Casualties in Zamfara Airstrike

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied allegations of civilian casualties resulting from an airstrike in Zamfara, which reportedly killed at least 72 people according to local sources. Community leader Garba Ibrahim Mashema claimed the actual number of casualties could be higher, with reports of mass burials for 80 victims.

In response, Major General Marku Kangy, speaking for the DHQ, emphasized that military operations strictly target terrorists and are conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law. Brigadier General Michael Onoja stated that the airstrike was based on credible intelligence identifying a high-level gathering of terrorist leaders.

The DHQ rejected claims of civilian casualties, asserting that no credible evidence has been established to support such allegations. The nature of the security situation in the area complicates immediate verification of casualties, but preliminary assessments indicated that a significant number of terrorists were neutralized during the operation.

The military continues to intensify aerial and ground offensives against armed groups in Zamfara as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.