U.S. and Nigerian forces have killed a senior ISIS leader who was hiding in Africa, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social. The operation targeted Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally and referred to by Trump as the most active terrorist in the world.
Trump Praises Military Operation
Trump stated that al-Minuki's death has greatly diminished ISIS's global operations. He thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership, saying, He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.
Nigerian Confirmation
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu confirmed the killing, calling it an example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism. Tinubu stated that early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
In December, the U.S. launched a military strike in Nigeria against Islamic State targets as part of security and intelligence collaboration. Specialist military trainers were subsequently sent to Africa's most populous nation as violence escalated.
Nigeria, home to 230 million people roughly split between Muslims and Christians, has a long history of ethnic violence driven by struggles over resources such as land and water. Terrorism from jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS has further destabilized the northern region for nearly two decades.
