JUST IN : US, NIGERIAN FORCES KILL SENIOR ISIS COMMANDER IN JOINT COUNTERTERRORISM RAID
A senior commander of the Islamic State, identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, was killed in a joint counterterrorism operation involving US and Nigerian forces overnight, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday night.
Trump said the mission was carried out “at my direction” by American forces working with the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He described al-Minuki as the second in command of ISIS globally and “one of the world’s most active terrorists” before the operation. “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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
According to the US president, the killing of al-Minuki would significantly weaken ISIS operations worldwide. “He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” Trump said, adding that the mission was a major success in the international fight against terrorism. He praised Nigeria’s government and military for their cooperation and partnership during the raid.
Security analysts said the operation could mark a breakthrough in efforts to dismantle extremist networks in the Sahel and West Africa, where groups linked to ISIS have sustained attacks and expanded influence in recent years. The region has remained a focal point for counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and its international partners.
As of press time, Nigerian defence authorities had not released an official statement confirming details of the operation, including the location. The Armed Forces of Nigeria typically issue statements on joint operations after operational reviews are completed.
Credit : AFP
