Amanze Chinonye
Fresh details have emerged on the joint United States-Nigerian military operation that led to the killing of Abu Bilal al-Mainuki, the Islamic State’s alleged global second-in-command and a senior leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
According to reports citing U.S. officials quoted by The New York Times, about 24 American and Nigerian Special Operations troops carried out a helicopter-borne assault on al-Mainuki’s hideout in the Lake Chad region during the high-risk counterterrorism mission.
The report stated that the joint assault team included members of the elite U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6 alongside Nigerian Special Forces personnel.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Trump Announces Killing of Senior ISIS Commander in Joint U.S.-Nigeria Operation
The operation reportedly targeted two small islands within the Lake Chad Basin where al-Mainuki and members of his terrorist network were believed to be hiding.
U.S. officials said the commandos engaged nearly three dozen ISWAP fighters in an intense firefight that lasted for almost three hours.
According to the report, the initial objective of the mission was to capture al-Mainuki alive. However, after it became clear that the ISWAP leader would not surrender, American air assets were deployed to strike the area.
The air assault reportedly resulted in the killing of al-Mainuki alongside several other fighters linked to the extremist group.
No casualties were recorded among American or Nigerian forces involved in the operation, according to the officials.
READ MORE :
Tinubu Confirms Killing of Senior ISIS Leader in Joint Nigeria-U.S. Military Operation
The latest revelations provide further insight into what has been described as one of the most significant joint counterterrorism missions conducted by Nigerian and U.S. forces in recent years.
Earlier, United States President Donald Trump announced that American troops and the Armed Forces of Nigeria had jointly executed a “meticulously planned and very complex mission” that eliminated the senior ISIS commander.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed the operation, describing it as a major example of successful collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism.
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI had similarly disclosed that the operation was conducted in coordination with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and involved precision air-land strikes on terrorist positions in Metele, Borno State.
Military authorities said battle damage assessments and follow-up exploitation operations remain ongoing to dismantle surviving splinter cells and prevent any regrouping by insurgents within the Lake Chad region.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
