Washington D.C. – U.S. forces conducted what President Donald Trump described as “powerful and lethal” strikes against ISIS operatives in Northwestern Nigeria, DZWatch has learned. The operation, announced Thursday, comes amidst heightened concerns over violence targeting Christians in the region.
President Trump stated that the strikes were a direct response to the targeting and killing of Christians. “Tonight, at my direction, the United States launched a powerful and lethal strike against ISIS terrorists in Northwestern Nigeria, who were targeting and brutally murdering primarily innocent Christians,” the President declared. He added that the attacks were occurring at a rate unseen in decades.
The President had previously warned that such actions would be met with a severe response. “I warned these terrorists that if they did not stop slaughtering Christians, they would pay a heavy price, and tonight, that happened,” Trump asserted, noting that the Department of Defense had carried out multiple precision strikes.
U.S. Africa Command confirmed the strikes, stating that they demonstrated the U.S. commitment to eliminating terrorist threats. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized President Trump’s stance that the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria must end.
“The Pentagon is always ready, and ISIS realized that tonight, on Christmas,” Hegseth said. “There will be more, and we are grateful for the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government.”
The strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous ISIS fighters. Officials indicated that the operation was conducted in the Sokoto State, with the cooperation of Nigerian authorities. Further details regarding the specific impact of the strikes are still emerging.
