Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source
ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Minuki eliminated, says Trump
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki—which he described as "second in command of ISIS globally"—was located and eliminated in Africa, during the joint operation after intelligence tracking his movements.
)
Trump said the mission was carefully planned and executed, crediting both US forces and Nigerian troops |Image source: The White House/X|
Written By: ZeeBiz WebTeam
Updated: Sat, May 16, 2026
03:49 PM IST
03:49 PM IST
New Delhi, ZeeBiz WebDesk
US President Donald Trump said on Friday (local time) that US forces, working alongside the Armed Forces of Nigeria, carried out a “complex and precise” operation that resulted in the killing of ISIS’s second-in-command.
Trump claims joint operation killed ISIS leader
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki—which he described as "second in command of ISIS globally"—was located and eliminated in Africa, during the joint operation after intelligence tracking his movements.
"Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing," Trump said in the post.
TRENDING NOW
He said the mission was carefully planned and executed, crediting both US forces and Nigerian troops, and stated that the militant believed he was in hiding but had been under surveillance. Trump added that the operation had significantly weakened ISIS’s global network and thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation.
Also Read: POTUS China Visit: Strait of Hormuz must remain open, agree Trump & Xi
"He will no longer terrorise the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans. With his removal, ISIS's global operation is greatly diminished. Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" Trump added.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS…” -… pic.twitter.com/KF8MYet9CB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 16, 2026
US designates Abu-Bilal al-Minuki as global terrorist
The US State Department had earlier, in June 2023, under former President Joe Biden, designated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. He was also known by aliases including Abubakar Mainok and Abor Mainok.
According to the designation, he was identified as a senior ISIS figure involved in the group’s international activities and remained under sanctions linked to terrorism-related operations.
Separately, ISIS has recently claimed responsibility for an attack in Nigeria’s Adamawa state that killed at least 29 people in the Guyaku community. The group reportedly carried out the assault in Gombi Local Government Area, targeting civilians.
Also Read: 'Buy American, no excuses! Betrayal is over!' Trump tells federal US agencies
In a related development last year, US forces conducted a strike in northwest Nigeria against ISIS-linked militants, which Washington said was in response to attacks on civilians, including Christians.
More recently, reports in June 2025 also indicated that over 20 people were killed in an attack on a village linked to a Nigerian bishop shortly after he testified before the US Congress on religious persecution in the region.
Trump's visit to China
Donald Trump visited China this week, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two-day trip began on May 13 to May 15.
On Thursday, the White House said that discussions between the United States and China focused on expanding market access for American companies in China and boosting Chinese investment in the US.
US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to open up China’s economy further to major US technology firms, according to international media reports.
Trump also reportedly said he expected a “long talk” on Iran, with both leaders agreeing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy.
Xi Jinping described US–China relations as the most consequential in the world, warning that they “must… never mess it up.” He said, “The China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world.”
He added that he and Trump held in-depth discussions on bilateral ties as well as global and regional developments.
Xi also said the United States and China should benefit from cooperation and view each other as partners rather than rivals.
With inputs from ANI
Get Latest Business News, Stock Market Updates and Videos; Check your tax outgo through Income Tax Calculator and save money through our Personal Finance coverage. Check Business Breaking News Live on Zee Business Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe on YouTube.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
RELATED NEWS
India-US Trade Update: USTR completes probe against India, other economies
US-Iran War: Scott Bessent says Trump govt won't tolerate any effort to toll Strait of Hormuz
US House Speaker Mike Johnson backs Trump's Iran peace efforts, calls talks a "breakthrough"
Rubio conveys Trump’s White House invite during PM Modi meeting
Is something big about to happen in the US? Trump hints at major political development in latest social media post
