A senior Islamic State (IS) leader has been killed in a joint military operation between the United States and Nigeria, officials from both countries confirmed on May 16, 2026.
Details
The operation was carried out by joint US-Nigerian special forces. President Trump confirmed the news on social media, calling it “a significant milestone in US-Nigeria counterterrorism cooperation.”
Background
While IS lost its last strongholds in Iraq and Syria in 2019, its African affiliates — particularly ISWAP and ISSP — have become increasingly active, posing one of the most severe security threats in West Africa and the Sahel region.
Nigeria has been fighting Boko Haram and IS affiliates for years. This joint operation reflects continued US commitment to counterterrorism cooperation in Africa.
Source: BBC, Google News