President Trump announced on Thursday that the United States had launched strikes against ISIS in Nigeria, saying the attacks were aimed at protecting Christians who were being “viciously killed” in the region.
US Launches Strikes on ISIS
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, 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, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” The strike was carried out at the request of Nigerian authorities.
AFRICOM Statement
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) released a statement that the operation “killed multiple ‘ISIS terrorists’.” It added: “AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Soboto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad.”
AFRICOM Commander’s Remarks
Gen. Dagvin Anderson, AFRICOM commander, said the U.S. military is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase “counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to on-going violence and threats against innocent lives.”
Trump’s November Warning
Trump referenced a November statement in which he threatened military action if Nigeria did not stop violence against Christians. He wrote: “I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” and added, “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”
Christmas Message
The president continued: “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.”
Nigerian Cooperation
Nigeria said it remains “engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorist and violent extremism,” a cooperation that led to the strikes. The foreign minister stated that “all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the ‘primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.’ Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security.”
Country of Particular Concern Designation
In November, Trump labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” (CPC) because of religious violence. The designation requires the president to consult with the Nigerian government, draft a foreign-policy action plan, and consult with Congress on implementation within 90 days.
Daily Surveillance Flights
The administration began daily surveillance flights over Nigeria under the direction of Nigerian National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth posted on X: “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end,” and added, “The @DeptofWar is always ready, so ISIS found out tonight – on Christmas. More to come… Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation. Merry Christmas!”
Nigerian Counter-Terrorism Progress
Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris said leaders are working to address terrorism and welcomed U.S. help. He told a November press conference that “the Government of Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the Government of the United States, other friendly nations and partners, to achieve our shared goal, the complete elimination of terrorism on Nigerian soil.” As of November, more than 13,500 militants had been killed, 17,000 suspects arrested, and over 11,200 hostages-women and children included-rescued.
Congressional Reactions
Republican lawmakers praised the Thursday strike. GOP Representative Riley Moore of West Virginia wrote on X: “President Trump has been clear that the killing of Christians in Nigeria must end. As I stated at the outset: Do not test President Trump’s resolve in this matter. Tonight’s strike in coordination with the Nigerian government is just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians.” Moore is an outspoken advocate for Nigerian Christians, and Trump had asked him to look into additional U.S. measures.
House Freedom Caucus chair Representative Andy Harris of Maryland echoed the sentiment: “This is strong and decisive leadership by our President standing up for the persecuted Christians and taking on ISIS. God bless our military. Merry Christmas,” he wrote in a statement on X.
Turkish Arrests
On the same day, Turkish authorities arrested more than 110 suspected members of ISIS across the country who were alleged to be plotting attacks for Christmas and New Year festivities.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. launched strikes against ISIS in Nigeria, citing the protection of Christians.
- AFRICOM confirmed multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in Soboto State.
- Trump reiterated a November threat and celebrated the strikes on Christmas.
- Nigeria emphasized cooperation and a focus on civilian protection.
- Congressional leaders praised the action as decisive leadership.
The strikes underscore the U.S. commitment to counter-terrorism in Africa and highlight ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities from extremist violence.
