U.S President Donald Trump announced on Friday that American and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS.
Trump wrote on Truth Social, “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 further added.
The United States imposed sanctions on Al-Minuki in 2023 for ties to the Islamic State group, which continues to operate in parts of West Africa.
“He will no longer terrorise the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans,” he continued “With his removal, ISIS’ global operation is greatly diminished.”
The American President also expressed gratitude towards the government of Nigeria for their “partnership”.
Nigeria is enduring a conflict between the military and various armed groups, including regional affiliates of the Islamic State, the extremist group Boko Haram, and other non-ideological violent gangs called “bandits”. Trump had earlier accused the nation of not protecting its Christians from Islamist threats.
On Christmas Day last year, the United States and Nigeria launched joint airstrikes in northwestern Sokoto State, targeting members of the Islamic State in the Sahel (ISSP). Washington has also sent many of its troops to support the country and train its forces.
Trump did not elaborate on the type of attack that hit al-Minuki, whether U.S troops carried out airstrikes, or where he had been targeted.
The U.S State Department announced al-Minuki’s details on the American government list of “global terrorists” in 2023. The Department called him a Sahel-based IS senior leader and a part of its General Directorate of Provinces, which provides “operational guidance and funding around the world”.
