US and Nigerian Forces Strike at Heart of ISIS: Deputy Leader Eliminated in Coordinated Operation

Michael Okonkwo, Middle East Correspondent
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In a significant blow to the Islamic State’s operations, US President Donald Trump announced the successful termination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the terror group’s deputy leader, in a joint mission conducted by American and Nigerian forces. The operation, which Trump described as “meticulously planned and very complex,” marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against terrorism in West Africa.

A Targeted Elimination

On Friday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, revealing the details of the operation that led to al-Minuki’s death. The president characterised him as “the most active terrorist in the world” and emphasised that al-Minuki, thought to be hiding in Africa, was unaware of the intelligence network tracking his movements. “He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa or help plan operations to target Americans,” Trump declared, underscoring the broader

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Michael Okonkwo is an experienced Middle East correspondent who has reported from across the region for 14 years, covering conflicts, peace processes, and political upheavals. Born in Lagos and educated at Columbia Journalism School, he has reported from Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and the Gulf states. His work has earned multiple foreign correspondent awards.
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