United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), on Saturday, released footage of the military operation that led to the killing of Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
AFRICOM said in a statement that the operation was conducted under the direction of the United States President and the Secretary of War, in close coordination with the Government of Nigeria.
The command said initial assessments indicated that multiple terrorists were killed during the operation.
It said the strike targeted a significant ISIS presence in northeastern Nigeria, describing it as part of sustained joint counterterrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin region.
“At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, U.S. Africa Command conducted an operation against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria on May 16, 2026.”
“The command’s initial assessment is that multiple terrorists, to include Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the director of global operations for ISIS, as well as other senior ISIS leaders, were killed during this operation. No U.S. service members were harmed.
“As President Trump shared last night, AFRICOM in coordination with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, bravely and valiantly conducted a successful mission that resulted in the elimination of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, and multiple other ISIS leaders,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command.
“This operation underscores the exceptional value of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership and was made possible through the cooperation and coordination of our forces in recent months. Make no mistake, our two nations will relentlessly pursue and neutralise terrorist threats and are committed to protecting our people and interests.”
Al-Minuki reportedly provided strategic guidance to the ISIS global network on media and financial operations as well as the development and manufacturing of weapons, explosives and drones.
He was described as the most active terrorist in the world who had a significant history of involvement in planning attacks and directing hostage taking.
