Nigerian, US forces eliminate 20 ISIS fighters in fresh Borno airstrikes

The Nigerian military has announced the elimination of more than 20 suspected fighters belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and ISIS during coordinated airstrike operations carried out with the support of the United States Africa Command in Borno State.

According to the Defence Headquarters on Monday, the latest military offensive targeted terrorist hideouts located around Metele, a troubled community in northern Borno that has experienced repeated insurgent attacks over the years.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, obtained by SaharaReporters.

The military high command said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating the convergence and movement of terrorist fighters within the area.

“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,” Uba said.

The military disclosed that multiple airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, resulting in the killing of over 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters.

It added that the operation came days after the reported neutralisation of notorious ISIS commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.

The Defence Headquarters said the sustained bombardments and coordinated offensives were aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and preventing the establishment of safe havens within Nigerian territory.

“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,” he added.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and tackling insurgency, insisting that terrorists threatening national peace and security would continue to face decisive military action.

“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 military stated.