**
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, US President Donald Trump announced the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the deputy leader of the Islamic State, claiming that American and Nigerian forces executed a “meticulously planned” mission to eliminate one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists. The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, highlights the ongoing battle against jihadist factions in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region, where instability has allowed extremist groups to thrive.
The Mission Unveiled
On May 15, 2026, Trump revealed that al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, was killed during a carefully orchestrated operation in Africa. The US President stated, “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.”
He emphasised that al-Minuki believed he could evade detection, but thanks to reliable intelligence sources, the coalition was able to locate and act against him. This mission marks a notable achievement in the ongoing fight against ISIS, which has been plagued by leadership challenges and territorial losses in recent years.
A Significant Target
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a Nigerian national, was already on the radar of US authorities, having
