The United States carried out an airstrike targeting Daesh fighters in northwestern Nigeria, aiming to disrupt militant operations and support regional security efforts amid ongoing counterterrorism challenges in the region.
U.S. Conducts Airstrike on Daesh Fighters in Northwestern Nigeria
The United States on Thursday confirmed it carried out a military strike against Daesh fighters in northwestern Nigeria, following a request from the Nigerian government, according to President Donald Trump and the US military.
Trump said the operation targeted Daesh militants accused of attacking and killing civilians, particularly Christians, in the region. In a statement shared on Truth Social, he described the strike as decisive and ordered under his authority as commander in chief.
US Africa Command stated that the operation took place in Sokoto State and resulted in the deaths of several Daesh members. The strike follows Trump’s recent warnings that Christian communities in Nigeria are under severe threat and his criticism of Nigerian authorities for failing to curb the violence.
Earlier reports indicated that US forces had increased intelligence and surveillance flights over various parts of Nigeria beginning in late November.
More to come
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the air strikes were conducted under ongoing security collaboration with the United States. The cooperation includes intelligence exchange and coordinated military planning aimed at militant organizations.
According to a post shared by the ministry on X, this partnership has resulted in targeted air operations against terrorist locations in Nigeria’s North West region.
Footage released by the Pentagon showed at least one missile being fired from a naval vessel. A US defense official confirmed that the operation struck several militants at known Daesh camp sites. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later thanked Nigeria on X for its cooperation, adding, “More to come…”
The Nigerian government has repeatedly emphasized that armed groups in the country attack both Christians and Muslims. Officials have pushed back against US claims that Christians are being specifically persecuted, saying such claims oversimplify the security challenges and overlook Nigeria’s efforts to protect religious freedom. Despite this, Nigeria has agreed to deepen cooperation with the US to strengthen its fight against militant groups.
Nigeria’s population is roughly divided between Muslims, who largely live in the north, and Christians, who are mainly based in the south.
Earlier on Thursday, police reported that a suspected suicide bomber killed at least five people and wounded 35 others in the northeast of the country, an area long affected by Islamist insurgencies.
In a Christmas message posted on X, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for unity and peace across Nigeria, particularly among people of different religious backgrounds. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting religious freedom and ensuring the safety of Christians, Muslims, and all citizens.
Former US President Donald Trump issued a statement about the strike on Christmas Day while staying at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. He had no public appearances that day and was last seen by reporters on Wednesday evening.
The US military had also carried out large-scale air strikes last week on dozens of Daesh targets in Syria, following Trump’s pledge to retaliate after a suspected ISIS attack on US personnel in the region.
