US, Nigeria carry out more strikes on IS, at least 20 militants dead

The air strikes came the day after a joint mission killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, described as the group’s global second in command

The US ⁠Africa Command (Africom) said on Monday ⁠it had carried out additional air strikes against Islamic State targets in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday, in coordination with the Nigerian government, as joint operations against militant groups intensify.

Nigeria’s ‌Defence Headquarters said the latest strikes were conducted in the Metele area of Borno State, following intelligence that fighters had converged there.

Multiple air strikes killed more than 20 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants, according to a statement.

Africom said no US or ⁠Nigerian personnel were harmed in the operation.

The strikes came a day after ‌a joint US-Nigerian mission that killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, described by both governments as the second in command of ‌Islamic State globally.

US President Donald Trump and Nigerian President ⁠Bola Ahmed Tinubu ⁠confirmed the development, describing it as a major setback for the militant group.