The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes against ISIS-linked terrorists operating in north-western Nigeria, following renewed international concern over the killing of Christians in the country.
The terrorist group targeted is the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), an ISIS affiliate traditionally active in Nigeria’s north-east and the Lake Chad Basin but recently linked to violent attacks in the north-west.
In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the strikes were ordered directly by him and described them as “powerful and deadly.” He said the operation was aimed at terrorists responsible for brutal attacks, particularly against Christian communities.
“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,” Trump said.
The US president added that he had previously warned the group to halt the killings or face severe consequences.
“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,” he wrote.
Trump praised the US military for executing what he described as “numerous perfect strikes,” stating that the operation demonstrated America’s resolve against radical Islamic terrorism.
“Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” he said.
He concluded the announcement with a Christmas message, saying: “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.”
The strikes follow months of heightened global attention on violence against Christians in Nigeria, which Trump had earlier described as reaching alarming levels.
