Trump says US launched strike on ISIS terrorists in Nigeria
President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to announce a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria. Trump claimed that the ISIS militants have been targeting and viciously killing innocent Christians in the region. This move comes after Trump previously threatened to take action in Nigeria, stating that he would go in “guns-a-blazing.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also echoed Trump’s message, indicating that the Department of Defense was preparing for action in Nigeria. Trump emphasized that he had warned the terrorists of dire consequences if they did not stop their attacks on Christians.
The details of the strike and its outcomes are not yet clear, and ABC News has reached out to the White House for more information. Hegseth expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for their support and cooperation, stating that more actions would follow.
U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strikes, which were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities. The Defense Department shared a video clip showing a missile being launched from a ship, presumably targeting ISIS militants in Nigeria.
This strike in Nigeria comes shortly after U.S. forces launched attacks on ISIS in Syria following an attack that killed three Americans. Trump had previously directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible action in Nigeria, citing the government’s failure to protect Christians from violence.
The State Department recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for severe violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians. Nigeria was also added to the U.S. travel ban list due to partial restrictions and entry limitations.
While Nigerian President Bola Tinubu acknowledges the violence against Christians in the country, he denies claims of religious intolerance. Experts note that extremist groups have targeted both Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.
On Christmas Eve, President Tinubu expressed his commitment to promoting religious freedom and protecting all Nigerians from violence, regardless of their religious beliefs. He emphasized the need for peace in the region and vowed to work towards ensuring harmony among individuals of varying faiths.
