The Nigerian military has announced the killing of over 20 suspected ISIS and ISWAP terrorists following a coordinated airstrike operations launched by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.
According to reports, the operation targeted terrorist hideouts near Metele, a northern Borno hamlet that is regularly targeted by rebels.
Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, revealed the situation in a statement released on Monday.
According to Defence Headquarters, the operation was carried out in response to intelligence reports indicating that terrorist fighters were moving and gathering in the region.
The statement read, “The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele.”
According to the military, multiple airstrikes on designated terrorist locations killed around 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.
In addition, another joint operation involving Nigerian and American forces reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the infamous ISIS commander, a few days before the latest raid.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the operations aim to disrupt terrorist networks, restrict their mobility, and prevent them from establishing safe havens on Nigerian soil.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria further reaffirmed its commitment to combating insurgency and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
BACKSTORY…
This comes barely three days after President, Donald Trump on announced that US forces in collaboration with Nigerian forces have successfully killed a global ISIS leader during a joint operation.
Trump earlier identified the terrorist as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, describing him as the second-in-command of ISIS worldwide.
Speaking further, the US president thanked the Nigerian government for it’s cooperation during the joint operation.
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