US Africa Command conducts additional strikes against Islamic State in Nigeria
The U.S. Africa Command has conducted additional airstrikes against the Islamic State in northeastern Nigeria. This follows a successful operation that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the group's second-in-command. Both U.S. and Nigerian forces collaborated closely in these efforts, which aim to combat the ongoing insurgency in the region.
- ▪The U.S. Africa Command carried out airstrikes against Islamic State in Nigeria on May 18, 2026.
- ▪No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed during the strikes.
- ▪The operation led to the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of Islamic State globally.
- ▪Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the joint operation as a significant blow to the Islamic State.
- ▪Borno has faced an insurgency for 17 years, resulting in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
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US Africa Command conducts additional strikes against Islamic State in NigeriaSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 18, 2026, 03:58 PMUpdated May 18, 2026, 03:58 PMMay 18 - The U.S. Africa Command said on Monday that it had carried out additional airstrikes against Islamic State in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday in coordination with the Nigerian government.No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed during the strikes, AFRICOM said.On Saturday, the U.S. and Nigerian forces conducted an operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second in command of Islamic State globally, in the northeast of the African country, U.S. President Donald Trump and his counterpart in Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said.Tinubu said Nigerian forces worked closely with the U.S.
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