The United States conducted airstrikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) armed group in northwestern Nigeria to protect Christians from being killed. The operation was carried out following a request from the Nigerian government. Both President Donald Trump and the U.S. Africa Command announced that the strikes took place in Sokoto State and resulted in the deaths of multiple ISIS members.
Donald Trump posted on the Truth Social platform, stating, "Tonight, under my orders as Commander-in-Chief, the United States launched a fierce and decisive attack against ISIS terrorists in northwestern Nigeria, who have brutally targeted and slaughtered innocent Christians at levels unseen in many years, or perhaps centuries!"
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the strikes occurred in Sokoto State, coordinated with Nigerian authorities, killing numerous ISIS fighters. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense released video footage showing missiles launched from a warship destroying a terrorist training camp.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for their cooperation and added on social media, "This is not the end."
The strikes followed warnings from Trump since late October that Christianity faces an "existential threat" in Nigeria, threatening military intervention if the Nigerian government failed to halt the violence. Reuters reported that the U.S. had been flying intelligence-gathering aircraft over Nigerian airspace since late November.
However, the Nigerian government clarified that armed groups in the area target both Muslims and Christians. They noted that the U.S. claim of religious persecution may not reflect the complex security situation but welcomed cooperation with the U.S. to strengthen counterterrorism efforts.
On the same day the strike was announced, a suicide bombing at a mosque in northeastern Nigeria killed at least five people and injured over 35, in a region known for activity by extremist Islamist groups.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu issued a Christmas statement calling for peace among people of different faiths and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting religious freedom for all Nigerians, whether Muslim or Christian.
This operation in Nigeria came just one week after the U.S. launched strikes against multiple ISIS targets in Syria in response to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region.
, Reuters