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U.S. Launches Christmas Strikes on Islamic State Targets in Nigeria With Nigeria's Approval

Nigerian officials describe the operation as a coordinated counterterror strike carried out at Abuja’s request.

Overview

  • AFRICOM and the Pentagon said precision strikes hit Islamic State positions in Sokoto state, with officials reporting several IS fighters killed without giving a specific toll.
  • Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed the action as a joint effort and said Abuja provided intelligence, with Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar noting presidential authorization.
  • The Pentagon released video appearing to show a missile launch from a U.S. warship, while casualty figures, damage assessments, and specific munitions remain unverified.
  • President Donald Trump announced the attacks and framed them as a response to the killing of Christians in Nigeria, warning that more strikes could follow.
  • Abuja rejected claims that the violence targets only Christians, stressing that Nigerians of different faiths suffer from jihadist and criminal violence across the country.