Nigeria and US conduct fresh strikes against Islamic State jihadists

In a significant development for regional security, the United States military has confirmed that fresh strikes have been carried out against Islamic State jihadists in northeast Nigeria. These operations, conducted jointly by Nigerian and US forces, underscore our shared commitment to combating terrorism that plagues the West African region.

The strikes, which took place on Sunday, were precise and targeted ISIS militants. US Africa Command (Africom) has stated that intelligence confirmed the targets and that assessments are ongoing. Crucially, no US or Nigerian forces sustained any harm during these operations, highlighting the effectiveness and professionalism of our combined efforts. This success builds upon recent achievements, including the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, an IS leader identified as the group's second-in-command worldwide.

Northeast Nigeria has long been a battleground against the dual threats of IS-affiliated jihadist groups and ruthless criminal gangs responsible for mass kidnappings and village raids. The continued collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in these counter-terrorism operations is vital. From our perspective, these actions are not just about eliminating immediate threats; they are about restoring stability and security to affected communities, allowing them to rebuild and thrive free from the pervasive fear of extremist violence. This partnership is essential for the long-term peace and prosperity of Nigeria and the wider region.

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Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complete assessments are ongoing. No US or Nigerian forces were harmed.