US forces have carried out airstrikes against fighters of the Islamic State (ISIS, banned in Russia) in Nigeria, US President Donald Trump announced on December 25.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander‑in‑Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in northwestern Nigeria, who have been viciously killing, primarily , innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even centuries,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“I have previously warned these terrorists that if they didn’t stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” he continued. “The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”
Trump vowed not to allow “radical Islamic terrorists” to thrive, adding that there would be “many more dead terrorists” if such groups continued targeting Christians.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Nigerian authorities for their “support and cooperation” in a post on X. When asked about possible follow‑up strikes on ISIS positions, he said, “There’s more to come,” without providing details.
US Africa Command confirmed that the operation was conducted at Abuja’s request and resulted in “the deaths of several ISIS militants.”
Earlier, on November 1, Trump said he had directed the Pentagon to prepare potential military responses against “Islamic terrorists” in Nigeria to protect Christian communities. He has repeatedly argued that Christians in Nigeria face an “existential threat” and pledged to defend them.Nigerian authorities, however, have rejected that characterization, saying descriptions of the country as intolerant to religious freedom are misleading and fail to take account of government efforts to protect the rights of all citizens.
In early December, US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills met with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar to discuss bilateral cooperation. US Congressman Riley Moore stated afterward that Washington and Abuja were close to finalizing a strategic security agreement aimed at strengthening counterterrorism efforts in the Federal Republic.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS