Trump says US have taken out 'world's most active terrorist' in military operation
Joint US-Nigerian forces have killed the 'world's most active terrorist' in a 'very complex mission', says Donald Trump.
The US president announced on Truth Social that Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, the second-in command leader of the Islamic State (IS) group, has died in Africa.
According to a report by Counter Extremism Project, the Nigerian national was based mainly in the Sahel region of Africa, across 12 countries.
He worked as a senior commander for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and directed operations for the Lake Chad division of ISIS's General Directorate of Provinces (GDP).
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Taking to Truth on Friday (15 May), Trump wrote: "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.
"He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans."
Trump added: "With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.
"Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation."
Trump said the US struck IS in Nigeria last December but didn't release much more details on the impact.
Nigeria has been in conflict with various armed groups, including at least two associated with IS.
Following the collapse of the IS caliphate in Syria and Iraq in 2017, a number of militant groups and IS affiliates have emerged across the West African nation.
In February, Trump sent troops to Nigeria to help advise its military and would go on to deploy US drones a month later after the president claimed that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria’s security crisis.
Trump has visited Beijing to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping about the war in Iran, trade disputes and Washington’s relationship with Taiwan.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has said it would use force if Taiwan formally declared independence or moved permanently out of Beijing’s reach.
America, meanwhile, follows a 'One China' policy, but also supports Taiwan militarily and politically under the Taiwan Relations Act.
The risk of war would heighten if China attempted a blockade or invasion of Taiwan.
"You know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles (15,289km) to fight a war. I'm not looking for that. I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down," Trump told Fox News.
Topics: US News, Donald Trump, Politics
Anish Vij