Overview
- U.S. Africa Command said it conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in northwest Nigeria, referencing "Soboto State," and reported multiple ISIS militants killed.
- President Donald Trump announced he directed the action and framed it as retaliation for militants targeting Christian communities.
- A Pentagon official said the strikes were approved by Nigeria, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Abuja for its cooperation and wrote "More to come."
- Reuters and other outlets reported U.S. intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, following recent U.S. steps including visa restrictions and a religious-freedom designation for Nigeria.
- Independent confirmation from Nigerian officials and precise operational details, including casualty figures and strike methods, were not immediately available, and Nigerian authorities have said violence affects multiple faiths.