U.S. Conducts Strikes Against ISIS in Northwest Nigeria
President Trump announced late Thursday that the United States had initiated strikes against Islamic State fighters in northwest Nigeria. He stated the targets were individuals he claimed had been responsible for killing Christians in the area.
In a Christmas night statement posted on Truth Social, Trump indicated the strikes targeted "ISIS Terrorist Scum" in Northwest Nigeria, asserting they were "viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians" at a significant level. He referenced prior warnings he had issued to these groups, suggesting that if actions against Christians persisted, there would be consequences, and stated U.S. forces had "executed numerous perfect strikes." Trump also conveyed that the U.S. would not allow "Radical Islamic Terrorism" to prosper and extended a holiday greeting, including a mention of casualties among the targeted groups.
Context of Recent U.S. Military Actions
This announcement follows multiple U.S. strikes conducted last week against ISIS targets in Syria. Those operations were in response to an event that U.S. Central Command described as the targeted killing of two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter by an ISIS gunman.
Nigeria's Stance and U.S. Relations
Trump has previously accused Nigeria of insufficient action to stop the persecution of Christians within the country. Last month, he reportedly directed the Pentagon to develop plans for potential military action against Nigeria and issued a warning regarding the suspension of aid to the West African nation.
Nigeria's population is approximately evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. The Nigerian government maintains that attacks by militant groups are primarily linked to the groups' locations rather than religious motivations. Reuters reported last month that Nigeria had expressed openness to U.S. assistance in combating insurgents, contingent on the respect for its territorial integrity.
Confirmation from U.S. and Nigerian Response
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a statement confirming that it "conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also posted on X, noting the readiness of the Department of War and expressing gratitude for the Nigerian government's support and cooperation. As of the time of reporting, Nigerian officials have not formally commented on the strikes.