The United States has carried out multiple air strikes on Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, saying the operation targeted fighters accused of killing mainly Christians in the region.
In a Truth Social post late on Christmas Day, Mr. Trump said the strikes were launched “at my direction as Commander in Chief.”
He wrote: “Tonight, at my direction… 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…”
This is coming after weeks of tension between the US and Nigeria after Trump alleged that there is an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
White House officials have repeatedly said the violence against Christians reached levels “not seen for many years… and even centuries.”
In early November, Mr. Trump ordered the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action” if Nigeria’s government did not do more to protect persecuted religious communities.
The Pentagon, referred to in administration statements as the “Department of War,” posted a brief unclassified video appearing to show a missile launch linked to the operation.
“The President was clear last month: the killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end… ISIS found out tonight—on Christmas. More to come…”
Join Our Social Media Channels:
