United States forces, in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces, have reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the global second-in-command of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), during a joint counterterrorism operation in Africa.
US President Donald Trump disclosed this in a statement posted on his Truth Social account on Saturday.
Trump said the operation was carried out following detailed intelligence gathering that tracked the activities of the terror leader across Africa.
According to him, the mission was specifically targeted at eliminating one of the world’s most active terrorist figures, accused of coordinating attacks and supporting operations against Americans and African communities.
The US president stated that the death of al-Minuki would significantly weaken ISIS global operations and reduce the group’s influence on the African continent.
Trump also praised the Nigerian government and the Armed Forces for their cooperation during the operation.
He wrote, “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.
“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
The development comes amid renewed attention on insecurity in Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Trump had recently criticised Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians by Islamist militants, accusing the government of not doing enough to curb the violence — claims Nigerian authorities have denied.
The United States also reportedly carried out strikes on suspected Islamist bases in northwestern Nigeria on December 25 last year following Trump’s allegations.
Nigeria has continued to battle insurgency and violent attacks from armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
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