Senior IS leader killed in joint operation, US and Nigeria say

Nigeria and the United States have carried out a 'daring' joint military operation that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior Islamic State (IS) leader described as the group's global second-in-command. The strike targeted a fortified compound in the Lake Chad Basin, a region where IS has rapidly expanded its influence in recent years. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu characterized the operation as a 'heavy blow' to the terrorist organization and evidence of growing security cooperation between the two nations.

Al-Minuki, who had recently been promoted to oversee IS's global 'General Directorate of States,' was a primary target for international counter-terrorism efforts. His death comes as IS's center of gravity continues to shift from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the 'precision and bravery' of the forces involved, noting that the successful mission reflects a commitment to dismantling extremist networks wherever they take root. No casualties or loss of assets were reported among the joint Nigerian-U.S. forces.