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U.S. Launches Christmas Day Airstrikes on ISIS in Northwest Nigeria

AFRICOM says Nigeria requested the strike, which killed multiple ISIS militants, with battle-damage and civilian-harm assessments still underway.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump announced he ordered the operation and framed it as retaliation for ISIS attacks on Christian communities, warning more action could follow.
  • U.S. Africa Command confirmed conducting the strike at Nigeria’s request and reported multiple militants killed, with some reports citing Sokoto State as the target area.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly praised the mission and expressed gratitude for the Nigerian government’s support and cooperation.
  • Officials have not disclosed the platforms, munitions, or full casualty figures, and there is no confirmed information on any civilian harm as assessments continue.
  • The strike comes during a heightened U.S. counter-ISIS posture that included Somalia operations earlier this week and increased reconnaissance flights over Nigeria in recent weeks.