US strikes ISIS in Nigeria on Christmas Day

The U.S. launched Christmas Day airstrikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria. President Donald Trump said more could follow.

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US strikes ISIS in Nigeria, Trump orders strikes over attacks on Christians

President Donald Trump said the U.S. launched Christmas Day airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, ordering a “powerful and deadly” response to militant attacks that he says have been killing Christians.

The president announced the strikes on Truth Social Thursday night, saying the U.S. carried out what he described as “numerous perfect strikes.”

He also warned that more could follow if the violence continues.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later confirmed the operation on X, saying the strike was carried out on Christmas and that the U.S. acted with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian government. He wrote, “more to come.”

In a since-deleted tweet, U.S. Africa Command First said the strike was conducted at Nigeria’s request and killed multiple ISIS fighters in what it called an effort to eliminate terrorist threats.
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The Department of Defense released this video on X late Thursday night, showing a missile being launched from a military vessel.

Video from the area shows the aftermath of the strikes. Local residents are seen holding metal debris with fires still burning in the background.

U.S. officials have not released details about casualties or the specific targets hit.

Nigeria has struggled for years with attacks by extremist groups, including ISIS affiliates and Boko Haram.

While Christians have been targeted in some high-profile attacks and kidnappings, analysts note that muslims and Christians alike have been victims of violence, especially in the country’s north.

In Maiduguri, police say a suspected suicide bombing at a packed mosque killed at least five worshipers and wounded 35 others during evening prayers on Wednesday. It was a reminder of how dangerous life remains for civilians there.