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Nigerian Military, US Forces Kill Over 20 ISIS Fighters in Fresh Borno Airstrikes

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Promise Odejide

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The Nigerian military has announced the killing of more than 20 suspected ISIS and ISWAP fighters during fresh coordinated airstrike operations carried out with support from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Borno State.

According to the military, the operation targeted terrorist enclaves around Metele, a northern Borno community that has repeatedly come under insurgent attacks.

DHQ confirms joint operation

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the strikes followed intelligence reports indicating movement and gathering 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 North-East Nigeria, with additional air strike operations successfully executed in the general area of Metele,” the statement read.

The military said several coordinated airstrikes were launched on identified terrorist positions, leading to the death of more than 20 fighters linked to ISIS and ISWAP.

Operation follows killing of ISIS commander

The latest offensive comes days after Nigerian and American forces reportedly carried out another joint operation that led to the killing of notorious ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the ongoing operations are aimed at weakening terrorist networks, restricting insurgent movements and preventing them from establishing operational bases within Nigeria.

“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,” Uba stated.

Military vows sustained offensive

The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military offensives against insurgents across the country.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the nation,” the military said.

“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.”

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