U.S. Strikes ISIS Targets in Nigeria as Trump Cites Protection of Christians
The United States has carried out a military strike against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria, marking a rare direct intervention as concerns grow over escalating attacks on Christian communities.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation late Thursday, saying the strike was aimed at ISIS elements responsible for violent assaults and killings, particularly against Christians.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the action as a decisive response to what he called the continued “slaughter of Christians.”
According to the president, the strike was “powerful and deadly,” underscoring Washington’s readiness to act against extremist groups operating in the region. He warned that further attacks on civilians could trigger additional military action.
The Pentagon later released video footage showing what appeared to be a missile launched from a U.S. warship, though officials did not immediately disclose casualty figures or provide further operational details.
The strike comes amid worsening security challenges in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, where Islamist insurgency has persisted for more than a decade.
Boko Haram, which originated in northeastern Nigeria, and its splinter groups including factions aligned with the Islamic State have continued to carry out deadly attacks, kidnappings and mass abductions.
In recent weeks, reports of abductions from churches and schools have heightened fear across several communities, renewing international attention on Nigeria’s security crisis.
Trump had earlier signalled a tougher U.S. stance, warning in November that Washington could intervene if attacks on Christians continued. He also urged the Nigerian government to take stronger action to stem the violence, cautioning that failure to do so could affect U.S. assistance.
While details of the strike remain limited, the development highlights growing international concern over extremist violence in Nigeria and renewed pressure for coordinated efforts to restore security and protect vulnerable communities.
