16.05.2026 07:40
US President Donald Trump announced that Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the global second-in-command of ISIS, was killed in a joint operation carried out by US and Nigerian forces in Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump announced that Abu Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-in-command of ISIS, was killed in a joint operation carried out in Nigeria.
"A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT"
In his statement, Trump said, "Tonight, during my administration, courageous American forces and the Nigerian Armed Forces successfully conducted a meticulously planned and highly complex operation to remove one of the world's most active terrorists from the battlefield."
"HE CAN NO LONGER TERRORIZE THE PEOPLE OF AFRICA"
Trump stated that he believed Abu Bilal al-Minuki might be hiding in Africa, but added, "He didn't know we had sources aware of his activities."
Trump argued that the operation significantly weakened ISIS's global operational capacity, stating, "He can no longer terrorize the people of Africa and cannot help plan operations targeting Americans."
"THANKS TO THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT"
US President Trump also thanked the Nigerian government for their cooperation in the operation and concluded his statement with the words, "God bless America."
NIGERIA HAS LONG BEEN FIGHTING BOKO HARAM AND ISIS
Nigeria has long been battling attacks from armed groups, particularly the Boko Haram terrorist organization and the ISIS-affiliated ISWAP.
The Nigerian government has deployed troops to the region to reduce the threat while also cooperating with international partners.
In February, the US sent approximately 100 military personnel to northern Nigeria to provide training, intelligence sharing, and technical support to local forces due to an increase in armed group attacks.