UPDATE: President Trump has launched a decisive military strike against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The operation, described as a “deadly strike,” targeted militants who have been responsible for a surge in violence against Christians, particularly during the holiday season.
In a post on Truth Social late Thursday, Trump declared, “Tonight, there was hell to pay for ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the group has been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years.” The president reported that U.S. forces executed “numerous perfect strikes” against the militants.
The strike comes after a series of U.S. military actions against ISIS in Syria, following the tragic killing of two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter by ISIS gunmen. This latest operation highlights the increased focus on militant threats to religious minorities in Nigeria, where tensions between Christian and Muslim communities have been escalating.
The Nigerian government has previously indicated that it is open to U.S. assistance in combating insurgents but insists on maintaining its territorial integrity. In a statement, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike, saying it was conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State, resulting in the deaths of multiple ISIS terrorists.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the U.S. commitment to fighting terrorism, stating on X, “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.”
So far, Nigerian officials have not issued a formal comment regarding the strikes, but the operation underscores the urgent need to address the rising violence against Christians in the region. Last month, Trump had warned that if Nigeria failed to protect its Christian population, military action would follow, including potential cuts to U.S. aid.
As the situation develops, it remains critical for international observers to monitor the impact of these strikes on both the local population and U.S.-Nigerian relations. The international community is watching closely as the U.S. aims to curb the relentless threat of ISIS in West Africa.
This urgent military response emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in managing internal conflict and protecting vulnerable communities from extremist violence. The repercussions of this strike could reshape the landscape of U.S. involvement in the region and the ongoing battle against radical terrorism.
