Nigerian, U.S. forces kill more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP terrorists in fresh air strikes

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigerian military said more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP terrorists have been killed in air strikes in the general area of Metele, Borno State, in coordinated operation conducted in collaboration with United States Africa Command, AFRICOM.

Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Information of Nigeria’s Defence headquarters announced this in a statement on Monday.

The operation was also confirmed by the AFRICOM in a statement on its social media handles.

Uba said the air strikes followed the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki by US, Nigerian forces over the weekend.

According to him, the fresh multiple air strikes were carried out following observance of convergence and migration of terrorist elements in the Matele area.

He also said the airstrikes are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria.

Uba, in the statement said, “The Defence Headquarters, in close coordination with United States Africa Command, wish to update the general public on the continuation of coordinated operations against ISIS militants across the North East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele.

“Following observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements, multiple air strikes were conducted resulting in the elimination of more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.

“The ongoing operations follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki and are part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, remove them from the battlefield and deny the terrorists any safe haven within Nigeria.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation. Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated.

“There will be no safe haven for all terrorists anywhere in Nigeria”

The U.S. Africa Command also confirmed that in coordination with the Government of Nigeria additional kinetic strikes were carried out against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria.

It however said while intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants, complete assessments of the impacts of the air strike are ongoing.

It also said no U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed in the operation.

“The removal of these terrorists diminishes the group’s capacity to plan attacks that threaten the safety and security of the U.S. and our partners.

“AFRICOM remains committed to leveraging specialized U.S. capabilities in support of our partners to defeat shared security threats,” the statement indicated.