The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian forces have carried out additional airstrikes against Islamic State and ISWAP targets in northeastern Nigeria, killing more than 20 fighters in a coordinated operation in Borno State.
The Defence Headquarters said the strikes hit terrorist hideouts in the Metele area of northern Borno, following intelligence on the movement and gathering of insurgents.
The operation comes days after the killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was eliminated alongside other fighters in a separate strike.
AFRICOM confirmed that no U.S. or Nigerian personnel were injured during the operation.
In a statement, the Defence Headquarters said the offensive is part of sustained counterterrorism operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and denying them safe havens in the North-East.
“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 statement said.
It added that the military remains committed to continued pressure on armed groups.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” it said. “Terrorists who threaten our citizens, communities and national stability will be located and defeated.”
The strikes form part of an expanded counterinsurgency push supported by international intelligence cooperation as authorities intensify operations against extremist groups in the region.
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