US President Donald Trump has announced that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS, was killed during a joint military operation involving American and Nigerian troops.
Trump disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation was a “complex mission” carried out in Nigeria through coordinated efforts between US and Nigerian security forces.
According to the US president, the operation targeted key ISIS elements operating within the region, leading to the death of al-Minuki, who was identified as a senior figure within the extremist group.
While details surrounding the mission, including the exact location and timing, were not immediately made public, the development is being viewed as a significant breakthrough in ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Nigerian authorities are yet to issue a detailed official statement regarding the operation as of the time of filing this report.
The reported operation comes amid continued regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency across parts of West Africa.