WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said on Friday that senior ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki was killed during a joint operation by US and Nigerian forces.
Trump claimed Abu Bilal al-Minuki served as the second-in-command of ISIS globally.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said American and Nigerian forces carried out a “meticulously planned” mission against the militant leader.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa,” Trump stated.
He added that intelligence sources closely monitored the militant’s activities before the operation.
Trump Praises Nigerian Forces
Trump thanked the Nigeria government for supporting the mission.
Reports said the operation targeted militant hideouts in northwestern Nigeria.
Neither the White House nor Nigerian officials released detailed information about the mission.
Nigeria Previously Faced Criticism
The announcement came months after Trump criticized Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
The Nigerian government denied those accusations.
Last year, the US carried out strikes on suspected militant bases in northwestern Nigeria after Trump raised concerns about security in the region.
