By Chimezie Godfrey
Operation HADIN KAI has denied reports claiming that 17 soldiers, including a Brigade Commander, were killed during a recent attack on troops in Benisheikh.
In a statement, the military described the reports circulating on television and social media as false, misleading, and exaggerated.
It said, “The official and verified report, as earlier released through Defence Headquarters, clearly stated that 2 officers and 2 soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Any contrary figure being circulated is entirely false, misleading, and devoid of credibility.”
The military also dismissed claims that the Brigade Commander’s vehicle was unserviceable.
According to the statement, “The Commander was mounted on a high-grade Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, which was temporarily immobilised in the heat of combat while he was actively coordinating the counter-assault.”
Operation HADIN KAI said the pictures and videos being circulated in relation to the incident were unrelated and deliberately misrepresented.
“The public is urged to disregard such content, which is clearly intended to misinform and create unnecessary panic,” it said.
The military said troops successfully repelled the attack and maintained control of their position, forcing the attackers to retreat.
It urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information and avoid spreading unverified claims.