President Donald Trump confirmed a military strike against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2023. The operation targeted militants known for their violence against Christians in the northwest region of the country. In a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the action as a response to the ongoing attacks, claiming that innocent Christians have faced unprecedented violence.
According to U.S. Africa Command, the strikes were executed at the request of Nigerian authorities in Soboto State, resulting in the deaths of multiple ISIS operatives. The command emphasized that these actions illustrate the commitment of the U.S. military to combat terrorist threats both domestically and internationally.
In his announcement, Trump stated, “Tonight, at my direction as commander in chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria.” He reiterated previous warnings issued to the terrorists, asserting that their continued violence against Christians would not be tolerated.
The strike on Christmas Day follows earlier threats from both Trump and Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War. Hegseth had previously declared that the Nigerian government must take action to protect Christians, or the U.S. would intervene militarily. “Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he stated in November.
Trump concluded his Christmas message by expressing gratitude for the military’s efforts, stating, “May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists, of which there will be many more if their slaughter of Christians continues.”
As details about the operation continue to emerge, the U.S. government maintains its stance on addressing threats posed by radical groups in Nigeria. The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, given the long history of violence against Christian communities in the region.
The impact of this strike may have significant implications for U.S.-Nigeria relations and the ongoing fight against terrorism in West Africa.
