President Donald Trump announced late Christmas Day that the United States military had launched a "deadly strike" against Islamic State fighters in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants who he said had been killing Christians in the region.
The strike marks a significant escalation of U.S. military operations in West Africa, where ISIS-affiliated groups have been expanding their presence and carrying out deadly attacks against civilian populations.
Nigeria's foreign ministry acknowledged the strikes and indicated the government was given advance notice of the operation. In a statement, officials said "Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners" and that this collaboration led to "precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West."
The announcement comes amid heightened concerns about the spread of extremist violence in the Lake Chad Basin region, where multiple armed groups have been responsible for thousands of civilian deaths over the past decade.
President Trump emphasized the operation was aimed at protecting Christian communities that have faced persistent attacks from militant groups. The president has previously expressed concern about religious persecution in Nigeria and other African nations.
The timing of the strike on Christmas Day carries symbolic significance, though military officials have not commented on whether this was intentional. The operation underscores the Trump administration's continued focus on counterterrorism efforts globally, even as questions remain about the legal framework for such operations in Nigeria.
International observers are watching closely for any response from Nigeria's federal government and how this may affect broader U.S.-Nigeria relations.
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