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In a significant counterterrorism achievement, US President Donald Trump announced that a joint operation between American and Nigerian forces has resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the deputy leader of the Islamic State (ISIS). This operation, described by Trump as “very complex,” underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle ISIS’s influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region.
Operation Overview
The announcement, made via Trump’s social media platform Truth Social on 16 May 2026, highlighted the collaborative efforts between US and Nigerian military forces. Trump stated that “brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned mission” to eliminate what he termed “the most active terrorist in the world.” The operation reportedly took place in a location that remains undisclosed, and while the president did not detail the exact nature of the attack, he asserted that intelligence sources had effectively tracked al-Minuki’s movements.
Profile of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki
Al-Minuki, a Nigerian national, had been a prominent figure within ISIS