Overview
- President Trump announced the Christmas-night operation, framing it as a response to attacks on Christian communities.
- U.S. Africa Command confirmed U.S. forces carried out strikes in northwest Nigeria, reported multiple ISIS militants killed, and said the mission was approved by the Nigerian government.
- Officials have not disclosed how many strikes were conducted, what platforms were used, or precise casualty figures as assessments are still underway.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the operation and publicly thanked Nigeria for its support and cooperation.
- The action follows recent AFRICOM strikes in Somalia and comes as analysts warn Nigeria’s insecurity involves jihadist insurgents, criminal banditry, and communal conflicts.