U.S. Bombs ISIS Targets on Christmas Day in Nigeria

The United States has carried out airstrikes against suspected ISIS elements in Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, describing the operation as a forceful response to attacks on Christians.

According to the president, the strikes were executed on Christmas night and aimed at militants he accused of carrying out brutal killings of civilians, particularly Christians.

Trump said the action was intended to send a strong warning and stressed that additional military responses would follow if the violence persists.

The president made the disclosure via his social media platform, where he characterised the operation as a decisive blow against ISIS fighters operating within Nigeria. He reiterated his administration’s stance that it would not tolerate attacks on religious communities.

This development follows earlier remarks by Trump early November, when he released a video threatening a robust military intervention in Nigeria.

Around the same period, U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth signalled possible action, stating on X that the Department of Defense was making preparations.

Confirming the operation, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the airstrikes were carried out in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.

The command did not immediately provide details on casualties or the specific locations targeted.

The U.S. Department of Defense also amplified the announcement by reposting Trump’s statement and sharing a short, unclassified video clip showing what appeared to be a missile launch from a naval vessel, believed to be part of the strike operation.