US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth revealed details about a recent military strike against Islamic State leaders during a cabinet meeting at the White House. He stated that US forces eliminated a top ISIS commander responsible for attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The operation took place on May 16. US and Nigerian forces conducted the strike in northeastern Nigeria. Authorities confirmed the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom officials described as ISIS director of global operations and the group’s second-in-command.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed the cabinet meeting on May 27. He connected the strike to President Donald Trump’s earlier directive to protect Nigerian Christians from ISIS violence.
“Over the past month we killed ISIS No. 2 commander who was most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the US homeland,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth explained that the mission followed months of intelligence work. He added that information from the operation led to further strikes that eliminated hundreds of ISIS fighters involved in attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
President Donald Trump issued instructions in late 2025 for the US military to focus on protecting Christians targeted in Nigeria. Hegseth said the president responded to reports of ongoing violence by ISIS affiliates in the region.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised the coordination between US Africa Command and Nigerian forces. He noted that the joint effort demonstrated strong partnership in addressing shared security threats.
Al-Minuki oversaw terrorist planning, hostage operations, and financial activities for ISIS across provinces. Officials stated that he played a direct role in violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.
The US Department of War confirmed that the strike greatly reduced ISIS capabilities in West Africa. Hegseth said additional operations remained possible to sustain pressure on the group.
