The Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly recognized as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, has released images depicting its members celebrating the recent Eid-el-Fitr festival within an unidentified area of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
Last Wednesday, Muslims across Nigeria joined global counterparts in marking Eid-El-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan fast.
Initially, the Nigerian government announced Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays, later extending the break to Thursday.
Pictures shared by ISWAP showcase its members engaged in prayers in an open expanse, some visibly armed.
These images potentially serve as a response to statements by the Nigerian military suggesting a consistent retreat of Islamist insurgent fighters, with troops reportedly reclaiming substantial territories previously held by the terrorist group.
