In a dramatic Christmas Day military action, the United States, in close coordination with Nigeria, launched precision airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) elements in Nigeria’s North-West region.
The operation prompted a characteristically stark statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who declared, “May God Bless our Military, and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, including the dead Terrorists.”
The strike follows President Trump’s recent warnings to terrorist groups over the killing of Christians. “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 stated, confirming the operation was executed under his direction on Thursday night.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and the U.S. Defense Department confirmed the joint action was aimed at foreign terrorist fighters linked to ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP) who had established a presence beyond their traditional stronghold in the North-East.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in conjunction with the United States of America, has successfully conducted precision strike operations against identified foreign ISIS-linked elements,” said Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information. He emphasized the operation was based on credible intelligence and meticulous planning to “maximally degrade” terrorist capabilities while minimizing civilian casualties.
The operation marks a tangible shift towards active, joint military engagement between the two nations, coming just weeks after the U.S. designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over violence against religious communities.
U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, acknowledged the collaboration, stating, “Grateful for Nigerian government support & cooperation.” He linked the strike directly to the President’s stance, adding, “The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.”
The Nigerian government framed the action as part of its standard international security cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the collaboration involves “intelligence sharing, strategic coordination and other forms of support in line with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty and shared security commitments.”
Both Nigerian authorities stressed that counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the protection of all citizens. “Terrorist violence in any form whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities remains an affront to Nigeria’s values,” the Foreign Affairs ministry stated.
Analysts view the joint strike as a significant strategic move to confront the expansion of transnational terrorism and prevent the entrenchment of foreign fighters in new regions.
The Defence Headquarters said the action “demonstrates the unwavering resolve” of Nigeria and its partners to prevent terrorists from gaining a foothold within the country’s borders.
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