Trump says Islamic State group leader was killed in a joint U.S.-Nigerian mission
U.S. and Nigerian forces have reportedly killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, a key leader of the Islamic State group, during a joint operation in Nigeria. President Trump announced the mission, stating that al-Mainuki was second in command globally and had been plotting attacks against the U.S. The operation is seen as a significant blow to the Islamic State's operations in West Africa.
- ▪Abu Bakr al-Mainuki was killed in a joint U.S.-Nigerian mission.
- ▪He was viewed as a key figure in IS organizing and finance.
- ▪The operation disrupted a violent terrorist network threatening Nigeria and West Africa.
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World Trump says Islamic State group leader was killed in a joint U.S.-Nigerian mission May 16, 20264:23 AM ET By The Associated Press President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Friday, May 15, 2026, as he returns from a trip to Beijing, China. Mark Schiefelbein/AP hide caption toggle caption Mark Schiefelbein/AP WASHINGTON — U.S. and Nigerian forces killed a leader of the Islamic State group in Nigeria in a mission carried out Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said. Middle East conflict Wives and children of foreign ISIS fighters stranded in Syria with no way home Trump announced the joint operation in Africa's most populous country in a late-night social media post that offered few details.
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