KIGALI, Rwanda

The Malian army said Monday that it neutralized Souleymane Ag Bakawa, one of the key leaders of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).

Bakawa, who headed a group infamous for terrorizing citizens in the city of Menaka and neighboring areas, was killed in combat operations conducted in Tinfadimata in the Menaka region of northeastern Mali, according to a statement.

He was directly involved in several kidnappings of civilians as well as in targeted assassinations against the army and innocent populations, the military said.

“Through this rigorously planned and professionally executed operation, the army reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defend the integrity of the national territory, to protect the population and to eradicate all terrorist threats to our nation,” it said.

The army called on citizens to remain vigilant and have confidence in their defense and security forces, saying it is relentlessly pursuing the fight for a united, stable and sovereign Mali.

The West African country has been battling a prolonged security crisis since 2012, fueled by armed separatist factions and terrorist networks, particularly in the north and center.