ISWAP Confirms Death of Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki in Raid

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) confirmed the death of its senior figure, Abu-Bilal al-Mainuki, after a U.S. Special Forces raid near Lake Chad.

The raid, described by ISWAP as a martyrdom operation, was part of a broader counterterrorism effort aimed at preventing the group from rebuilding its propaganda network in West Africa. The operation involved precise airborne assaults supported by surveillance drones and attack aircraft, targeting high-value ISWAP operatives.

Reports indicate that at least three foreign ISIL elements were killed alongside several women believed to be associated with the insurgent camp. ISWAP acknowledged the operation's impact, claiming that U.S. forces had spent six months tracking al-Mainuki.

The group stated that its media unit fought until death during the raid, refusing to surrender. The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of 175 fighters, significantly disrupting ISWAP's media infrastructure and command activities within the Lake Chad region.