U.S. Carries Out Strike Against Islamic State Militants in Nigeria
The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government, according to U.S. officials and the military. President Donald Trump said the operation targeted militants accused of attacking civilians in the region.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
U.S. Africa Command said the strike took place in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities and killed multiple militants at known Islamic State camps. The strike followed earlier warnings from Trump about rising violence in Nigeria and increased U.S. intelligence activity over the country.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the operation was part of ongoing security cooperation with the United States, including intelligence sharing and strategic coordination. “This has led to precision hits on terrorist targets in Nigeria by air strikes in the North West,” the ministry said in a post on X.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked Nigeria for its cooperation, saying: “More to come…”
Nigerian officials have said militant groups target both Muslims and Christians and have pledged continued cooperation with international partners to address security threats.
