The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has officially confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki, following a military operation reportedly conducted by United States Special Forces in the Lake Chad region of northeastern Nigeria.
Confirmation Through Media Channels
In a statement released via its media outlets, the group referred to members of its media unit killed in the raid as 'martyrs,' while indirectly acknowledging the demise of al-Mainuki. This confirmation comes approximately two weeks after a reported US special operations raid targeted an ISWAP command-and-media facility deep within the Lake Chad Basin.
Details of the Operation
According to earlier accounts, the operation involved airborne forces supported by surveillance drones, intelligence assets, and precision air support aimed at high-value targets linked to the group. The militant group claimed that the mission included a prolonged surveillance effort, alleging that US forces tracked al-Mainuki for months before launching a large-scale assault.
ISWAP described the operation as a multi-point airborne landing involving heavy engagement, portraying the deceased operatives as casualties of what it termed a 'crusader' attack. The group further claimed that foreign fighters were among those killed in the strike, alongside individuals associated with its internal media operations.
US Authorities Remain Silent
U.S. authorities have not independently confirmed all operational details of the mission. The strike highlights ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region, where ISWAP remains a significant threat despite territorial losses.
