Washington: In a dramatic announcement on Christmas Day, US President Donald Trump revealed that American forces carried out a powerful airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting what he described as “terrorist scum” responsible for vicious attacks on innocent Christians.
The strikes, conducted by US Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Sokoto State, were executed at the request of the Nigerian government and in close coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Initial assessments suggest that the operation killed multiple ISIS terrorists in known camps. The operation involved precision-guided munitions, including Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from a Navy ship in the Gulf of Guinea, hitting two ISIS sites.
Trump, posting from his Mar-a-Lago residence, stated on Truth Social: “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.” He warned of further action if the violence continues, adding a sardonic “Merry Christmas” to the deceased militants.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the sentiment, noting the Department of War’s readiness and gratitude for Nigerian cooperation.
The move follows Trump’s repeated warnings about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and comes amid broader US counterterrorism efforts, including recent strikes in Syria.
The action highlights ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) affiliates have been active since pledging allegiance to the global group in 2015. Nigerian officials confirmed the strikes as part of joint anti-terrorism cooperation.