Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has reacted to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a senior ISIS leader, who was eliminated in a joint operation involving United States forces and the Nigerian military.
The operation, which has drawn global attention, was confirmed by both U.S. and Nigerian authorities as a coordinated counter-terrorism mission targeting high-ranking members of ISIS in Africa.
BACKGROUND TO THE OPERATION
According to official reports, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally, was killed during a precision military operation carried out by U.S. and Nigerian forces.
The mission was reportedly based on extensive intelligence gathering and aimed at disrupting ISIS operations across Africa and beyond.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed the operation, stating that it was the result of coordinated intelligence efforts between both countries.
SHEIKH GUMI’S REACTION
Reacting to the development via a Facebook post, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi stated that fighting terrorism is a religious obligation.
However, he strongly criticized what he described as hypocrisy in global counter-terrorism efforts.
He said:
“It’s a religious obligation to annihilate terrorists, but not with Beelzebub and hands stained with the blood of innocent men, women, and children.”
His statement suggests that while he supports action against terrorism, he opposes the involvement of actors he considers responsible for civilian harm in other conflicts.
TRUMP’S STATEMENT ON THE OPERATION
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the operation via his Truth Social account.
He described the mission as a result of:
- Extensive intelligence gathering
- Strategic coordination between U.S. and Nigerian forces
- Long-term tracking of ISIS leadership
Trump stated that the operation would significantly weaken ISIS operations in Africa and reduce the group’s global influence.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE OPERATION
Security analysts believe the killing of al-Minuki could:
- Disrupt ISIS command structure in Africa
- Reduce coordination between extremist cells
- Strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel and West Africa
The operation has also been highlighted as a sign of increased military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
The reactions from Sheikh Gumi and former U.S. President Donald Trump highlight the differing perspectives surrounding global counter-terrorism strategies and military cooperation in Africa.
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