The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian forces have carried out additional airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northeastern Nigeria, following the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki on Friday. The Defence Headquarters said more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters were killed in the operation, which targeted terrorist hideouts in the Metele area of northern Borno. No US or Nigerian forces were harmed during the strikes. The military said the offensive is part of sustained counterterrorism operations to deny terrorists safe havens.
Key Points:
- The strikes signal continued US-Nigeria military cooperation following the al-Minuki operation.
- Targeting hideouts in Metele disrupts insurgent networks in a known flashpoint area.
- More than 20 fighters have been eliminated, degrading ISIS/ISWAP’s operational capacity in Borno.
- The military vows there will be “no haven for terrorists anywhere in Nigeria.”
- Sustained air campaigns may force insurgents to scatter, complicating future intelligence gathering.
