President Donald Trump revealed Thursday that American forces had conducted strikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, targeting militants the president called “terrorist scum” attacking Christian communities. The Pentagon released video footage documenting the military operation from warships.
The strikes followed Trump’s warnings from October and November when he characterized violence against Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” approaching genocidal proportions. The president had explicitly threatened military intervention if attacks persisted, warnings that materialized into action conducted on Christmas Day.
Trump detailed that the Department of War executed “numerous perfect strikes” against militants engaged in the vicious killing of primarily innocent Christians. He emphasized that only American military forces possess such capabilities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preventing radical Islamic terrorism from flourishing.
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. The partnership includes intelligence sharing and strategic coordination to address militant groups operating in the region. Nigerian officials made clear that terrorist violence against any religious community represents an affront to the country’s values.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its support and cooperation, indicating that additional strikes could follow. He referenced Trump’s clear warnings about protecting Christians. The Pentagon video showed at least one projectile launching from a warship, providing visual confirmation of the operation. While Nigerian President Bola Ahmed has cooperated with the security operation, he has also maintained that Nigeria’s constitution protects all faiths and that the country is committed to working with the US while ensuring religious tolerance for all citizens.
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