Post by : Badri Ariffin

The United States has executed precision airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) positions in northwest Nigeria, acting upon a request from the Nigerian leadership, US officials reported on Thursday.

Statements from President Donald Trump alongside the US military highlighted that the operation was aimed squarely at IS-affiliated militants in Sokoto State, a region grappling with escalating extremist violence. US Africa Command indicated that the operation transpired in close consultation with Nigerian authorities and successfully resulted in the elimination of numerous IS members.

US Africa Command noted that this operation was crucial in disrupting militant operations and diminishing IS's capacity to plan and execute attacks. An earlier post on the command’s official X account mentioned that the airstrikes were conducted at Nigeria's urging, albeit that post was later deleted without an explanation.

Strengthening Security Collaboration

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs corroborated the airstrikes as part of ongoing security cooperation with Washington. In an official statement on X, the ministry emphasized the partnership's foundations in intelligence sharing, strategic alignment, and collective initiatives to dismantle terrorist networks active in the northwest region.

“These collaborative efforts have facilitated targeted airstrikes on terrorist strongholds in the North West,” the ministry noted, defining the operation as part of more extensive measures aimed at restoring security and safeguarding civilians.

According to US officials, the strikes followed an intense period of intelligence collection, with reports indicating that US surveillance aircraft had been actively gathering data over significant regions of Nigeria since late November, particularly where extremist activities were suspected to be high.

Trump Highlights Escalating Threats

This military action comes on the heels of President Trump’s warnings regarding what he described as an “existential threat” faced by Christian communities in parts of Nigeria due to escalating extremist activities. In late October, Trump publicly criticized Nigerian leadership for their perceived inaction against attacks on Christians, suggesting that military intervention by the US might be considered if the violence persists.

Trump revealed this latest airstrike on Christmas Day while at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, without any public appearances that day.

Pentagon Validates Targeted Assault

A video released by the Pentagon illustrated the launch of at least one missile from a US naval vessel. A US defense representative confirmed that the strikes impacted multiple IS training camps and targeted several mid-level and senior militants alleged to be planning attacks in the region.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude towards the Nigerian government for its collaboration and support. In a message on X, he commended the joint efforts and added, “More to come…”

Ongoing Violence in Nigeria

The airstrike coincides with continued violence throughout Nigeria. Earlier on Thursday, local police reported a suicide bombing that claimed five lives and left 35 injured in northeast Nigeria, a region historically beset by extremist insurgencies.

In a Christmas message on X, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged for peace and unity among diverse communities, reaffirming his government’s dedication to safeguarding all citizens, irrespective of faith.

“I am committed to ensuring religious freedom in Nigeria and safeguarding Christians, Muslims, and all citizens from violence,” affirmed Tinubu.

Part of Wider US Anti-IS Efforts

The airstrikes in Nigeria come in the wake of recent US military activities elsewhere. Last week, American forces executed extensive strikes on numerous IS sites in Syria, following Trump’s pledge of retaliation against a suspected ISIS attack on US personnel.

US officials maintain that such operations demonstrate a broader strategy aimed at undermining IS networks globally and supporting allied nations challenged by extremist threats. While there are no current indications of a more expansive military involvement in Nigeria, this latest strike highlights the strengthening security linkages between the two nations as they address the surging militant dynamics in West Africa.

#Global News #Donald Trump