A series of military raids targeting separatist hideouts in the North West Region of Cameroon have resulted in the deaths of several Ambazonia fighters.
The operations, conducted by the Cameroonian army over the week Wednesday, targeted separatist hideouts in Bamenda and Big Babanki, where separatist activities have been particularly rampant.
In Bambui, located just a few kilometres from the regional headquarters Bamenda, reports indicate that about 13 Ambazonia fighters were killed after the military launched an assault on their hideout.
Similarly, in Kedjom-Keku, also known as Big Babanki, soldiers engaged separatist forces, resulting in the deaths of several fighters.
The military intervention comes in response to escalating violence and threats posed by Ambazonia fighters, who have been harassing, kidnapping for ransom, and killing students, teachers, and residents living in proximity to these camps.
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MMI reported how separatist fighters, on May 19, 2023, opened fire on a group of elderly women for protesting against an imposed levy.
The separatists asked the population to pay monthly dues of FCFA 10,000 for men and FCFA 5000 for women as “liberation tax”.
The fee was imposed by the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC), a separatist faction based in the diaspora.
They held these women hostage for several hours during which they tortured them.
The recent military raids have not only targeted separatist fighters but have also aimed to dismantle their infrastructure and activities that have been destabilising the region.
In Bamenda, separatists activities have been taking a toll on the population, with frequent cases of abductions, torture, and extortion reported.
Additionally, the recent discovery of a locally fabricated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near the City Chemist Roundabout in Bamenda heightened security concerns among residents.
Although the device was removed by the military before it could be detonated, its presence highlights the persistent threat posed by separatist groups operating in the region.
In addition to the operations in Bamenda and Big Babanki, the Cameroonian military launched attacks in other areas of the Anglophone Regions, including Jakiri, where at least two fighters were killed.
