Although it is too early to say, and we don't know yet what happened and is still happening, but personally I think the algerian hard-hitting approach with no negotiations whatsoever in this case lead to a dismal failure for Belmohktar.
They tried to make a getaway with hostages in five vehicles but were promptly dealt with.
No hostages means no ransoms, only a loss of thirty men, a number of vehicles and arms.
If he has a couple hundred men working with him, that should be a significant loss for MBM.
That is the only way the kidnappings can come to a halt - no rewards in sight.
Also, no propaganda victory - no hostages to put on videos for months or years to come, and no human shields to be used for blackmail or to prevent attacks.
The attack only galvanized the anti-jihadist forces and made it even more evident that this problem will have to be dealt with now.
|