Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. and Nigerian forces eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the second in command of ISIS globally, in a joint operation.
Trump statement on operation
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the operation was carried out by U.S. forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria and described it as a “meticulously planned and very complex mission.” He said al-Minuki “thought he could hide in Africa,” and added that the United States had sources providing information on his activities.
Thanks to Nigerian government
Trump thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership in the operation.
Past scrutiny of Nigeria and prior strikes
Nigeria had previously faced scrutiny from Trump after he said Christians there were being persecuted, which Nigeria’s government denies. The United States said it struck Islamist bases in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day last year following Trump’s accusations.
What do you think the operation will mean for U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation?