Overview
- President Trump announced late Friday that U.S. and Nigerian forces killed Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki in a joint counterterror operation in Africa.
- Trump described al‑Minuki as ISIS’s global second‑in‑command and said the mission was meticulously planned with help from sources tracking him in Africa.
- The White House and Nigerian authorities have not released where the raid occurred or how it was carried out, and outside verification has not yet been provided.
- U.S. records list al‑Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist since June 2023, with reported roles in Islamic State West Africa Province and ISIS’s al‑Furqan office that helps coordinate funding and direction across the Sahel.
- Nigerian military sources had previously claimed in early 2024 that he was killed, highlighting conflicting past reports and the need for follow‑up detail on this operation and its impact.