PARIS. The French military has captured one of the key leaders of the Islamic State (Isis) of the Greater Sahara in the Sahel, Oumeya Ould Albakaye, in Mali.
This was announced by the General Staff of the French Army, explaining that the capture was made on the night of June 11-12 by the soldiers involved in the Barkhane operation.
French media explain that Albakaye was the leader of the Grand Sahara Isis for Gourma in Mali and for Oudalan in northern Burkina Faso. He is credited with orchestrating several attacks on various military bases in Mali, including Gao’s.
The jihadist leader is being held by the Barkhane military for a few days for interrogation, after which he will be handed over to the Bamako authorities.
