U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States carried out what he described as “numerous precise strikes” against terrorist targets in northwest Nigeria.
In a statement released on December 25, Trump said the operation was conducted under his authority as Commander-in-Chief and targeted ISIS-linked fighters operating in areas affected by prolonged violence and insecurity. He claimed the militants were responsible for mass killings, particularly of Christians.
According to Trump, the groups had been “viciously killing, primarily innocent Christians,” adding that he had earlier warned them to halt the attacks or face consequences.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwest Nigeria,” Trump said. “I previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughter of Christians, there would be hell to pay—and tonight, there was.”
Trump stated that the operation was carried out by the U.S. Department of War, describing the action as “numerous perfect strikes,” and said his administration would not allow what he termed “radical Islamic terrorism” to thrive.
He added, “May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all, including the dead terrorists.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that strikes occurred in parts of northern Nigeria. However, authorities did not disclose details of the operation, the level of Nigeria’s involvement, or the impact of the strikes.
The reported strikes are believed to have taken place in parts of Sokoto State.
