In a dramatic step forward in Washington’s counterterrorism strategy in West Africa, the United States launched air and missile strikes against Islamic State targets in northwest Nigeria, directly connecting military action to President Donald Trump’s threats against attacks on Christians.
On Christmas Day, Donald Trump declared that the US had carried out “powerful and deadly” attacks against ISIS extremists, whom he claimed were “slaughtering Christians” in Nigeria. Days after extensive US strikes on ISIS sites in Syria, the operation was carried out in conjunction with Nigerian military.
Why Did Donald Trump Give the Order for US Strikes Against ISIS in Nigeria?
Donald Trump justified the military intervention by claiming that Islamist militants were increasingly using violence against Christian populations.
Donald Trump said on Truth Social, “The United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria tonight at my direction as Commander in Chief.” According to him, extremists have been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”
He also mentioned that he had already issued warnings.
“There would be hell to pay if they did not stop the slaughter of Christians, and there was tonight,” declared Donald Trump.
Why Were Strikes Occurring Now?
In November, Donald Trump openly threatened to withhold US assistance if attacks persisted and gave the Pentagon instructions to prepare military options for Nigeria. In order to locate insurgent bases, US soldiers simultaneously increased intelligence and surveillance activities across northern Nigeria. According to US media sources, Nigerian authorities also stepped up their interactions with Washington. The period coincided with a resurgence of violence, which included a suspected suicide bombing at a Maiduguri mosque a few days prior.
What Is Nigeria’s Reaction To US Strikes?
Nigeria’s foreign ministry emphasized that the action respected both international law and Nigeria’s sovereignty while confirming that the strikes were coordinated with Abuja.
“Terrorist violence in any form-whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities-remains an affront to Nigeria’s values,” the ministry stated, stressing the importance of protecting civilians in counterterrorism initiatives.
Will There Be Further US Strikes?
The Nigeria operation might not be an isolated incident, according to Donald Trump. He cautioned in his Christmas Day statement that if attacks persist, there may be further strikes.
