US Conducts Airstrikes on Islamic State Positions in Nigeria Following Government Request

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The United States has executed targeted military airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) installations in northwest Nigeria, following a direct request from the Nigerian government, as confirmed by US officials on Thursday.

Statements from President Donald Trump and officials from the US military indicated that the operation concentrated on IS-affiliated militants within Sokoto State, an area afflicted by increasing extremist violence over recent years. US Africa Command reported that the strikes were meticulously coordinated with Nigerian authorities, resulting in the deaths of several Islamic State members.

The operation was aimed at disrupting militant encampments and diminishing the group's capability to orchestrate future attacks. An earlier post from the command's official X account indicated that the airstrike was conducted at the request of Nigeria; this post was later retracted without any further explanation.

Enhancing Security Collaboration

According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these airstrikes are part of the ongoing security collaboration between Abuja and Washington. The ministry's statement on X emphasized the engagement in intelligence sharing, strategic alignment, and joint initiatives to dismantle terrorist networks in the northwest region.

“These coordinated operations have resulted in precise airstrikes targeting terrorist strongholds in the North West,” the ministry noted, describing the efforts as crucial steps to restore security and safeguard civilian lives.

US officials stated that the execution of this strike was predicated on weeks of intelligence-gathering. Earlier reports indicated that US surveillance aircraft had been conducting reconnaissance missions across various parts of Nigeria since late November, focusing on areas known for extremist activity.

Trump Issues Warning on Escalating Threats

This strike follows President Trump's recurrent warnings that Christian communities in certain Nigerian regions are facing an “existential threat” due to extremist violence. In late October, Trump publicly criticized Nigerian authorities for their perceived inaction in preventing attacks on Christians, suggesting a potential US military response should the situation continue to deteriorate.

Trump announced the latest strike on Christmas Day while at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida; he had no public engagements that day and was last seen by reporters on Wednesday evening.

Pentagon Validates Targeted Mission

A Pentagon-released video showcased at least one projectile being launched from a US warship. A US defense spokesperson confirmed that the airstrike targeted multiple known IS camps and aimed at several high-ranking and mid-level militants thought to be plotting attacks in the local area.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commended the Nigerian government for its cooperation and support. In a post on X, he celebrated the collaboration between both nations, adding a succinct yet ambitious message: “More to come…”

Ongoing Violence in Nigeria

This airstrike comes amid a backdrop of persistent violence throughout Nigeria. Earlier reports indicated that a suicide bomber killed five and injured 35 others in the northeast, an area historically plagued by extremist attacks and insurgency.

In his Christmas message shared on X, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for calm and unity among diverse faith communities, reaffirming his government's dedication to protecting all citizens, irrespective of religion.

“I am committed to doing everything within my capability to uphold religious freedom in Nigeria and shield Christians, Muslims, and all Nigerians from harm,” Tinubu stated.

Part of a Larger US Anti-IS Initiative

The airstrike in Nigeria comes on the heels of recent US military actions in other regions. Just last week, American forces executed extensive strikes on numerous IS targets in Syria, following Trump’s pledge of retaliation for a suspected ISIS assault on US personnel stationed there.

US officials assert that these operations signify a broader strategy to undermine IS networks globally and bolster support for partner nations contending with extremist threats. While Washington has not disclosed plans for an expansive military involvement in Nigeria, this latest strike highlights the strengthening security ties between the two nations as they tackle surging militant activities in West Africa.