US and Nigerian Forces Kill Senior ISIS Leader in Major Joint Operation

In a major escalation of counter-terrorism operations, joint forces from the United States and Nigeria have successfully neutralized Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second-highest-ranking global leader of the Islamic State (ISIS), along with several of his top lieutenants. The meticulously planned raid took place in the Lake Chad Basin region of northeastern Nigeria over the weekend, marking a significant blow to the terrorist network's African and global operations.

US President Donald Trump announced the successful mission late Friday on his Truth Social platform, stating that the operation was executed flawlessly under his direct command. According to US military officials, the assault involved advanced intelligence tracking, warplanes, helicopters, and a ground force that included American troops working in close coordination with Nigerian authorities. While the ground unit was initially positioned to potentially capture al-Minuki, the situation evolved into precision airstrikes that obliterated the targeted compound. General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed that no American service members were harmed during the operation.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the development on Saturday through a statement on his official X handle, hailing the "daring joint operation" as a major success in advancing shared security objectives between both nations. The operation follows a previous wave of US missile strikes launched in December 2025 against ISIS-Sahel and Lakurawa targets in Sokoto State. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the operation reflects the administration's ongoing pressure campaign to disrupt violent extremist organizations in West Africa and protect vulnerable communities, particularly pointing to the persecution of Nigerian Christians by these groups.

While the Nigerian government welcomed the strategic partnership and military assistance, presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala reiterated that the terrorist elements target both Muslims and Christians alike.

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