The United States launched airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwestern Nigeria on Christmas Day, President Donald Trump announced late Thursday.
Trump said he authorized the strikes to halt ISIS fighters responsible for violent attacks, particularly those targeting Christian communities.
In a post on Truth Social, he called the operation a “powerful and deadly strike” and warned that further action would be taken if the violence continues.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed the operation, saying it was conducted at the request of the Nigerian government. According to AFRICOM, the strikes hit ISIS targets in Sokoto State and killed several militants. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also acknowledged the mission on X, thanking Nigerian authorities for their cooperation and suggesting additional operations could follow.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States. The ministry emphasized that the operation targeted only terrorist groups and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
The strikes came after weeks of strong rhetoric from Trump. In November, he designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom, claiming Christians faced an existential threat. He also warned that the United States could intervene militarily if the Nigerian government failed to curb the violence.
Security analysts caution, however, that Nigeria’s conflict cannot be reduced to a single religious issue. The country faces multiple security challenges, including ISIS-linked groups, criminal bandits, and long-running disputes over land and resources. Conflict data shows that both Christians and Muslims have been victims, with many recent casualties being Muslims in the northeast.
Nigerian officials have argued that focusing solely on religion overlooks underlying issues such as poverty, weak governance, and widespread criminal activity.
Reports indicate the U.S. strikes involved cruise missiles launched from a Navy vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, hitting at least two ISIS camps. There have been no reports of civilian casualties, and details about militant losses remain limited.
The operation is part of a broader pattern of recent U.S. military actions abroad, including strikes in Syria, Yemen, and Iran. It underscores Washington’s renewed focus on combating Islamist extremism in Africa, while also highlighting ongoing disagreements with Nigeria over security strategies and human rights concerns.
International response has so far been muted, with no immediate statements from major allies or the United Nations. Attention is now focused on northwestern Nigeria, where ISIS-linked groups have been expanding amid continued instability.
From Opera News
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