U.S. and Nigerian forces killed a senior Islamic State leader in a joint operation.
- Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, second-in-command of IS globally per Trump, was killed in Lake Chad Basin. - Nigerian President Tinubu confirmed the strike, which also killed several lieutenants.
- Al-Mainuki led ISWAP after previous leader's death in 2018 and was sanctioned by U.S. in 2023.
- The operation resulted from a new U.S.-Nigeria partnership and intelligence sharing. This mission marks a significant blow to ISWAP and highlights ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.