Abduljelil IssaThe United States has carried out multiple airstrikes on Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, stating that the operation targeted fighters accused of killing predominantly Christians in the region.
In a post on Truth Social late on Christmas Day, Trump said the strikes were launched “at my direction as Commander in Chief.”
He wrote:
“Tonight, at my direction… the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians…”
The operation comes after weeks of tension between the US and Nigeria, following Trump’s claims of an ongoing genocide against Christians in the country.
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White House officials have repeatedly stated that violence against Christians has reached levels “not seen for many years… and even centuries.”
In early November, Trump instructed the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action” if Nigeria’s government did not take stronger measures to protect persecuted religious communities.
The Pentagon, referred to in administration statements as the “Department of War,” released a brief unclassified video appearing to show a missile launch linked to the operation.
“The President statement was cleared last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end… ISIS found out tonight — on Christmas. More to come…”
Will U.S. airstrikes stop terrorism in Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.