INTERNATIONAL NEWS - The United States military carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (IS/ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, according to statements from Washington and confirmations by Nigerian authorities.
The strikes, ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, marked a significant escalation in American counter-terrorism activity in West Africa. The Citizen+1
President Trump announced the operation on his Truth Social platform, describing it as a “powerful and deadly strike” targeting fighters he characterised as responsible for “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” in the region.
He said the action came after earlier warnings that extremist violence against religious communities would not go unanswered. The Citizen+1
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which oversees American military operations on the continent, confirmed that the strikes took place in Sokoto State and were conducted in coordination with the government of Nigeria. According to AFRICOM, multiple Islamic State militants were killed, though specific casualty figures and details about the exact targets were not disclosed. TimesLIVE+1
Nigerian Government Response and Security Cooperation
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement emphasising that the strikes were the result of ongoing security cooperation and intelligence sharing between Abuja and Washington, aimed at confronting terrorism and violent extremism. The ministry characterised the action as part of a broader collaborative effort, rather than a unilateral U.S. intervention. Fij
Pentagon officials also publicly acknowledged Nigerian support for the operation, with U.S. defence leaders expressing gratitude for the partnership that made the precision strikes possible. The Citizen
Broader Context and Controversy
While the U.S. framed the strikes as a response to extremist attacks on Christians, analysts note that Nigeria has faced a complex, multi-faceted security crisis for years. Various militant groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have carried out violence across the north and centre of the country, affecting both Christian and Muslim communities.
Nigerian officials and independent experts have rejected characterisations that frame the violence solely as religious persecution. The Citizen+1
The strikes also follow months of heightened rhetoric from Washington. Earlier in the year, the U.S. placed Nigeria back on its list of countries of “particular concern” regarding religious freedom, and threatened to halt aid if Abuja failed to curb killings of Christians — a move that sparked debate both inside Nigeria and abroad. The Citizen
Security Situation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s security challenges remain deep-rooted. The northeastern region has been under insurgency by Boko Haram for more than 15 years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. In the northwest and central regions, criminal gangs and extremist cells have also carried out kidnappings, raids, and attacks on civilian populations. The Citizen
The U.S. action on a major holiday such as Christmas - and the language used to justify it - has drawn particular attention, with some analysts warning that doing so may carry ramifications for both Nigerian domestic politics and wider regional dynamics. DAILY TIMES Nigeria
This article is based on reporting from The Citizen, Reuters, Sky News, and additional news sources.
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