U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Nigeria, citing attacks on Christians as the reason for the action.
In a post on his Truth Social platform late Thursday, Trump said the United States launched what he described as a “powerful and deadly strike” against IS elements operating in northwest Nigeria, accusing the group of targeting and killing civilians, particularly Christians.
The Pentagon later released a video appearing to show a missile launch from a U.S. warship. No official details were provided on casualties or the extent of damage from the strikes.
The development comes amid worsening insecurity in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, which has battled Islamist insurgency for more than a decade. Boko Haram, which originated in Nigeria, and its splinter groups have continued attacks, including recent mass abductions from churches and schools.
In early November, Trump had warned that the United States could intervene if attacks on Christians persisted, urging the Nigerian government to prevent further violence or risk a reduction in U.S. aid.
Despite these warnings, violence has continued. Police said a suicide bombing in northeastern Nigeria on Thursday killed at least five people and injured 35 others.
Following the Christmas Day strikes, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was “grateful for Nigerian government support and cooperation.” The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the targets were located in Sokoto State.
dpa
