U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a joint U.S.-Nigerian military operation killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the Islamic State’s global second-in-command, during a coordinated strike in northeastern Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the operation, describing it as a major success against Islamic State-linked insurgents operating in the region. According to U.S. and Nigerian officials, al-Minuki and several senior militants were killed during the night-time assault, which reportedly involved airstrikes and ground forces. The operation was carried out without reported U.S. or Nigerian casualties. Al-Minuki had previously been designated a global terrorist by the United States and was linked to Islamic State operations across West Africa and the Sahel. Security analysts described the strike as a significant setback for Islamic State affiliates in the region, although experts cautioned that militant groups often reorganize after senior leaders are eliminated.

Israel announced that a precise airstrike targeting an apartment in the Rimal neighborhood of western Gaza City killed senior Hamas commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad, identified by Israeli officials as one of the main planners of the 7 October 2023 attacks and the head of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza. The Israeli military said Haddad was involved in holding Israeli hostages and rebuilding Hamas’ military capabilities. Hamas and Haddad’s family confirmed his death on 17 May, reporting that several relatives, including his wife and daughter, were also killed in the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as part of efforts to eliminate all individuals responsible for the October 2023 attacks. While the assassination could temporarily disrupt Hamas’ command and coordination, the group has historically adapted quickly to leadership losses through decentralized structures and rapid succession. Hamas will most likely attempt limited retaliatory guerrilla attacks against Israeli military forces near the separation line in Gaza to project resilience.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa vowed to resist arrest and possible extradition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the court unsealed a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016–2022 anti-drug campaign, during which thousands were killed nationwide. Dela Rosa, who served as national police chief and was a chief enforcer of the crackdown, denied ordering extrajudicial killings and insisted police operations were legitimate self-defense actions. While under protective custody inside the Philippine Senate, he appealed to supporters, military personnel, and police allies for peaceful mobilization to prevent his transfer to The Hague and urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to cooperate with the ICC, maintaining he would only face trial in Philippine courts. Tensions escalated in Manila as security forces, marines, and police surrounded the Senate complex amid reports of attempted arrest operations. More than a dozen gunshots were reported inside the heavily guarded compound, though no casualties were immediately reported. Senate officials alleged National Bureau of Investigation agents attempted to enter the premises and fired shots while retreating, an accusation the agency denied. Marcos later called for calm and said no government personnel had been ordered to arrest dela Rosa, who has also petitioned the Supreme Court to block any transfer to the ICC.

President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was sworn in for a seventh consecutive term, extending his rule into a fifth decade after first taking power in 1986. The inauguration ceremony in Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala was attended by regional leaders, diplomats and senior officials, with Museveni pledging continued economic growth, infrastructure development and stronger regional cooperation. His latest term follows a disputed January election in which opposition figures alleged intimidation, arrests and electoral irregularities. The ceremony also highlighted the growing prominence of Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who oversaw the military parade and is widely viewed as a potential successor.

Boko Haram militants launched an overnight assault on a military base in Chad’s Lake Chad region, killing at least 23 security personnel and wounding 26 others, according to the army. Chadian forces said they repelled the attack and began clearing operations in the surrounding area following the raid, which reportedly targeted the island locality of Barka Tolorom. President Mahamat Idriss Deby condemned the attack as Chad’s military continues to face recurring assaults by Islamist militants operating across the Lake Chad basin. Boko Haram, which originated in northeastern Nigeria, has expanded its operations into neighboring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, with attacks on military positions in western Chad becoming increasingly frequent in recent years.