Overview
- U.S. Africa Command said it conducted a strike in Sokoto State at the request of Nigerian authorities and reported killing multiple ISIS militants.
- President Trump announced the action on Christmas night and said it targeted ISIS fighters he accuses of attacking Christians.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigerian officials for cooperation and indicated there could be additional operations.
- The strike followed renewed U.S. pressure that included restoring Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern designation, visa restrictions and weeks of U.S. surveillance flights reported by Reuters.
- Specifics such as the method of attack and verified casualty figures were not disclosed, and experts note Nigeria’s violence reflects insurgent, communal and criminal factors affecting both Christians and Muslims.