Overview
- In a New York Times interview, President Donald Trump said further U.S. strikes could follow if Christians continue to be killed, calling the Christmas action a potential first of many.
- The U.S. military said the Dec. 25 strike in northwest Nigeria was conducted at Abuja's request against Islamic State targets; Nigeria described it as a joint operation against terrorists.
- Trump maintained that victims are mostly Christians, even as his own Africa adviser has noted militants have killed many Muslims, a point Nigerian authorities also emphasize.
- After the strike, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled additional actions could follow, echoing White House indications of potential follow-ons.
- Nigerian leaders and security experts say any future U.S. airstrikes must be formally authorized by Abuja, with Vice President Kashim Shettima vowing to bolster Nigeria's own security response.