WATCH: Dramatic Airstrike Video Shows Moment ISIS Leader Was Eliminated

Published May 16, 2026 at 2:41 PM

The United States Africa Command has released footage from the airstrikes that targeted what it described as a large concentration of Islamic State fighters in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of several high-profile militants, including senior ISIS figure Abu Bilal al-Mainuki.

The development was disclosed in a post on by security analyst Brant Philip.

Al-Minuki, who was reportedly regarded as the second-in-command of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria globally, was said to have been killed during a joint operation involving U.S. forces and the Nigerian military.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social account on Saturday, Donald Trump said the mission followed extensive intelligence gathering and careful strategic planning.

Trump described al-Minuki as one of the most active ISIS operatives, alleging that he played a major role in coordinating attacks and supporting terrorist activities targeting both Americans and African communities.

According to the U.S. president, the operation is expected to significantly weaken ISIS operations and reduce the extremist group’s influence across Africa.

He also praised the Nigerian government and military authorities for their collaboration and support during the mission.