President Donald Trump announced military strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on December 25, 2023. The strikes targeted groups responsible for the persecution of Christians in the region, marking a significant action during the Christmas holiday. In a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the operation as a powerful response to ongoing violence against innocent Christians in Nigeria.
Trump stated, “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.” He emphasized his commitment to combating radical Islamic terrorism, asserting that the U.S. would not tolerate attacks against Christians.
U.S. Africa Command confirmed that it conducted the strikes at the request of Nigerian authorities in Soboto State, resulting in the deaths of multiple ISIS terrorists. The command highlighted that such lethal actions demonstrate the strength of the U.S. military and its dedication to eliminating terrorist threats both domestically and internationally.
This operation aligns with previous warnings issued by Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth regarding the need for the Nigerian government to protect Christians. Hegseth had stated, “Either the Nigerian government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
In his Christmas Day message, Trump concluded with a blessing for the military, stating, “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.”
Details surrounding the specifics of the operation are still emerging, but the strikes signify a bold move in the ongoing battle against terrorism in Nigeria. The U.S. military’s involvement reflects the broader international efforts to counteract extremist groups threatening vulnerable communities.
