World
Joint Nigeria-US Operation Kills ISIL Deputy Leader in West Africa
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, considered by the US to be the deputy leader of ISIL in West Africa, was killed in a joint Nigerian-American air and ground operation in Borno state. Presidents Tinubu and Trump confirmed the operation on May 16, which the Nigerian military described as a highly complex assault near Lake Chad. Experts say the elimination may have limited long-term impact due to ISWAP's resilience and the underlying ransom economy.