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US Conducts Airstrike on ISIS in Northwest Nigeria
The US, in coordination with Nigeria, carried out a strike against ISIS militants in Sokoto, killing multiple targets amid rising concerns over attacks on civilians.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-26
US Conducts Airstrike on ISIS in Northwest Nigeria

President Trump announced the strike on Truth Social, describing it as a response to attacks by ISIS militants, which he claimed were “primarily targeting innocent Christians at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries.”

The U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strike was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities, killing multiple militants. Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar clarified that the operation targeted terrorists in general and was not aimed at any specific religious group. Tuggar emphasized that the strike had been planned using intelligence provided by Nigeria and did not rule out additional operations depending on bilateral decisions.

The U.S. Pentagon shared video footage showing at least one projectile launched from a warship, and officials said the strike focused on multiple ISIS camps. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation, adding on X that “more [strikes] to come.”

Nigeria’s government, while cooperating with the U.S., stressed that armed groups in the country target both Muslims and Christians, highlighting the complex security situation. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, in a Christmas message, called for peace across religious divides and pledged to protect all citizens from violence.

The strike follows heightened U.S. concerns over attacks targeting Christian communities in Nigeria, which President Trump described as an “existential threat.” It also comes amid recent attacks in northeastern Nigeria, including a suspected suicide bombing at a mosque that killed at least five and injured 35 others.

This operation mirrors recent U.S. strikes against ISIS in Syria, conducted last week after Trump vowed retaliation for attacks on U.S. personnel in the region.

The airstrike reflects ongoing security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, combining intelligence-sharing and strategic coordination to combat Islamist militant threats in West Africa.
Tagged:

nigeria

isis

airstrike

USMilitary

Sokoto
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