ISIS Foreign Trainers Eliminated: Iraqi Operatives Killed in Major Nigeria Strike

In a decisive joint US-Nigeria counterterrorism operation in northeastern Nigeria’s Lake Chad region, approximately 175 ISIS fighters were neutralized in mid-May 2026. Among the dead were several Iraqi nationals serving as elite trainers for ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The strikes, supported by US Africa Command, targeted a key compound on May 16, killing Abu-Bilal al-Minuki — ISIS’s global No. 2 and director of operations — along with lieutenants. Follow-on attacks hit logistics hubs and checkpoints. The Iraqi trainers were reportedly preparing militants for major attacks and planning to relocate when struck.

This operation severely disrupts ISIS financing, recruitment, and attack capabilities across the Sahel and West Africa. Nigerian and US forces continue to intensify pressure on the terror network. No civilian casualties reported.

Orlando “Andy” Wilson

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