US Withdraws Most Troops After Nigeria Operation Against ISIS

The United States has largely withdrawn its forces deployed in support of a recent military operation against Islamic State militants in northeastern Nigeria, according to General Stephen J. Townsend, the commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The operation targeted Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who held the position of second-in-command within ISIS's global leadership structure. This mission came after a December 2019 drone strike ordered by former President Donald Trump that aimed to disrupt Christian-targeting activities in Nigeria.

General Townsend highlighted the success of the joint U.S.-Nigerian operation during a conference for African defense chiefs held in Luanda, Angola. The general emphasized that while most American troops have been withdrawn, intelligence support continues at the request of Nigerian authorities. This approach reflects AFRICOM's strategy of providing specialized capabilities to partner nations while allowing them to take charge of security operations on the ground.

The operation not only targeted local ISIS leaders but also disrupted broader communication and operational networks within the militant group. General Townsend noted that the ongoing pressure from the Nigerian military, coupled with efforts to publicize these actions, has led to additional defections and surrenders among ISIS fighters in Nigeria's northeastern region. This collaborative effort between the U.S. and Nigeria demonstrates a model for future security cooperation across Africa, aiming to degrade terrorist threats beyond just regional boundaries.