Overview
- AFRICOM and the Pentagon confirmed Christmas Day strikes that killed multiple militants tied to ISIS affiliates in northwest Nigeria.
- Nigeria’s foreign minister said the action was a coordinated operation, approved by President Bola Tinubu after calls with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Pentagon-released video and media reports indicated Tomahawk missiles were launched from a U.S. Navy vessel in the Gulf of Guinea.
- President Trump framed the strikes as a response to killings of Christians, while Nigerian officials stressed that violence affects both Muslims and Christians.
- U.S. defense leaders signaled possible follow-on operations, as both governments withheld detailed information on targets, casualty totals, and any civilian impact.