The United State announced that they had killed Bilal al-Sudani a key figure in the Islamic State network in Africa in an operation conducted by Special forces in Puntland. Al Sudani was very instrumental and an important leader for the Islamic State’s operations across much of eastern, central, and southern Africa.
The operation that led to the death of Al Sudani was very unique as it included boots on the ground which has not been the mode of operation by the United States in the region as they frequently favor drone strikes. This goes further to emphasize the influence held by Al Sudani in the global ISIS network and especially in the ever-growing presence in Africa.
Islamic State Somalia (ISS) has propped itself as a major player in the coordination and facilitation of the Islamic State’s affairs across much of Africa. This role more than makes up for what the group lacks in tactical threat as compared to other branches such as IS in DRC, Mozambique, and the larger Sahel and Maghreb regions.
Intelligence indicates that Al Sudani headed the Islamic State’s Al-Karrar regional office which is in charge of the Sub-Saharan provinces, and their affairs and provides a bridge beyond Africa. The Sudanese has shown his shrewd nature and is believed to have received and disbursed millions from various financial facilitators and to the various groups.
Al Sudani through the Al-Karrar has been credited for the expansion and transformation from ADF a rebel group to ISCAP a terrorist outfit. On the other hand, in Mozambique, the first IS financial transfer to Mozambique was in October 2019 after which the group commenced one of its greatest campaigns. Intelligence indicates that just a few months after the financial injection, a series of offensives in early 2020 led to the capture of significant territory by that summer, including the largest cities such as Mocimboa da Praia.
Al-Karrar also oversaw the movement of tactical advisors to the Islamic State in Congo and Mozambique and the production of propaganda from both groups. This also includes the production of better-quality media productions that have either been used as part of the propaganda material or the current Focus on Africa-type campaign being run by ISIS-central.
Thus, Al-Sudani’s death is a major blow to the Islamic State’s global networks and especially to its efforts across greater Sub-Saharan Africa. It will be interesting to watch how his absence will affect the group’s ability to facilitate its operations financially.
The death of al Sudani will without a doubt impede the previously smooth and effective ability to facilitate funds, personnel, and materiel to the Islamic State’s men in the DRC, Mozambique, South Africa, and beyond.
