We Hit Only Terrorists In Zamfara Operation – Military Clarifies

According to Ireporter Online, the Defence Headquarters has responded to allegations suggesting that civilians may have been killed during a recent airstrike carried out in Zamfara State, stressing that the casualty figures being circulated have not been verified by the military.

The clarification was issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who explained that the operation was conducted on Sunday, May 10, by troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Fansan Yamma.

The Defence Headquarters stated that the airstrike was aimed at a meeting point of suspected terrorist leaders in Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. It noted that intelligence reports indicated the area was being used by armed groups to plan attacks against surrounding communities, adding that the strike was based on credible pre-operation intelligence.

Reacting to reports of civilian casualties making the rounds on social media, the military said such claims remain unconfirmed, explaining that the nature of air operations makes immediate verification of casualty figures difficult. It maintained that post-strike assessments so far indicate that several terrorists were neutralized, with no evidence currently suggesting civilian involvement.

The Defence Headquarters further described the targeted location as a known hideout of armed criminal groups posing a threat to residents, while urging the public to disregard unverified information circulating online and rely only on official military communications for accurate updates.

It also confirmed that clearance operations are ongoing in the affected area as part of broader efforts to restore security. Reaffirming its operational standards, the military stated that all engagements are conducted in line with established rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, emphasizing that civilians are not intentionally targeted during operations.

The DHQ added that should any civilian casualties be confirmed at a later stage, such information would be officially released through proper military channels. It concluded by reiterating the Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of innocent lives during ongoing counterterrorism operations across the country.