US-Nigeria Joint Strikes Kill 20 ISWAP Militants in Borno
On Sunday, the US Africa Command, alongside Nigerian forces, carried out further air strikes on Islamic State positions in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of over 20 militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The Metele region of Borno State was specifically targeted based on intelligence suggesting a gathering of fighters. There were no casualties among US or Nigerian personnel. This operation came a day after a joint mission that led to the death of Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, identified as the global second-in-command of Islamic State. Both US President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged this as a significant blow to the militant organization.
Key facts
- US Africa Command and Nigerian forces conducted air strikes on Sunday.
- Strikes targeted the Metele area of Borno State, Nigeria.
- More than 20 ISWAP militants were killed.
- No US or Nigerian personnel were harmed.
- The strikes followed a joint mission that killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki.
- Abu Bakr al-Mainuki was described as Islamic State's global second-in-command.
- US President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed the development.
- The operation was described as a major setback for the militant group.
Entities
Institutions
- US Africa Command (Africom)
- Islamic State
- Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
- Nigerian Defence Headquarters
- Nigerian government
Locations
- Nigeria
- United States
- Borno State
- Metele