Trump claims 'the most active terrorist in the world' eliminated
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US and Nigerian armed forces have eliminated Abu Bilal al-Minuki — the second-highest-ranking figure in ISIS's global hierarchy. The announcement was made by US President Donald Trump, who called him "the most active terrorist in the world."
What is known about the operation
Trump said the operation was carried out overnight under his direct orders. He described it as "flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission."
Al-Minuki had been hiding in Africa, but US intelligence agencies tracked his movements through their own sources.
According to Trump, al-Minuki's death has significantly weakened ISIS's global operations. The president also thanked the Nigerian government for its partnership.
The killing came amid the US' ongoing fight against terrorist groups in Africa. After returning from Beijing, Trump is considering easing sanctions on Chinese oil companies that purchase Iranian crude.
During the summit, Beijing and Washington reached a broad agreement that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested that operations against Iran could resume soon, saying that not all objectives have yet been achieved.
