Trump Confirms US Airstrikes in Nigeria, Cites Threats to Christian Communities

US Strikes ISIS in Nigeria After Attacks on Christians, Trump Issues Christmas Message.

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that American forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS positions in northwest Nigeria, citing attacks on Christians in the region. The strikes, described by Trump as “numerous” and “deadly,” were launched under his orders as Commander-in-Chief.

“Tonight, at my direction, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He accused the militants of “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians,” and added that he had previously warned the group to stop their attacks. “If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay — and tonight, there was,” he said.

Trump praised the US military for executing “numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing,” and concluded with a holiday greeting: “May God bless our military, and Merry Christmas to all.”

Background

Nigeria has long faced violence from extremist groups, including ISIS-linked factions and Boko Haram, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions. In November, the US designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act and announced visa restrictions on individuals linked to mass killings and attacks on Christians.

Nigerian Response

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu vowed to protect religious freedom in a statement released on Christmas Day. “As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” he said.

The Nigerian government has rejected claims that Christians are being systematically persecuted, arguing that armed groups target both Muslims and Christians. Nigeria’s population is roughly divided between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south, making the security situation complex.