Unitred States President, Donald Trump, announced on Friday that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS worldwide, was killed during a joint military operation carried out by American and Nigerian forces.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the mission was conducted under his directive and involved coordinated efforts between US troops and Nigeria’s armed forces.
“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. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump said.
The US president also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for its cooperation and support during the operation.
Trump had previously criticized Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, claims that the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied.
Last Christmas Day, the United States carried out strikes on suspected Islamist camps in northwestern Nigeria after Trump raised concerns about attacks targeting Christians in the country.
