Overview
- U.S. Africa Command confirmed conducting airstrikes in Sokoto State on Dec. 25 that killed multiple ISIS fighters.
- Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry described the action as precision airstrikes carried out under established security cooperation with the United States.
- President Trump said he ordered the operation and portrayed it as retaliation for killings of Christians attributed to ISIS.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the mission, thanked Nigeria for its cooperation, and signaled that additional operations may follow.
- The Pentagon released a brief video of a missile launch from a U.S. ship, while officials have not provided target lists, casualty totals, or broader effects, and analysts dispute framing the violence as solely anti-Christian.