2 hours ago
Last Updated:December 26, 2025, 23:15 IST
Donald Trump framed the military action as a response to what he described as escalating violence against Christian communities by Islamist militants.
US President Donald Trump announced the operation on Christmas Day.
The United States carried out air and missile strikes against Islamic State targets in northwestern Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s counterterrorism posture in West Africa and directly linking military action to President Donald Trump’s warnings over attacks on Christians.
Donald Trump announced the operation on Christmas Day, saying the US had launched “powerful and deadly" strikes against ISIS militants whom he accused of “slaughtering Christians" in Nigeria. The operation was conducted in coordination with Nigerian forces and comes days after large-scale US strikes on ISIS targets in Syria.
Why Did Donald Trump Order US Strikes On ISIS In Nigeria?
Donald Trump framed the military action as a response to what he described as escalating violence against Christian communities by Islamist militants.
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria," Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. He claimed militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians."
He added that he had issued prior warnings.
“If they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was," Donald Trump said.
Why Did Strikes Happen Now?
Donald Trump had instructed the Pentagon in November to prepare military options for Nigeria and publicly warned that US aid could be cut if attacks continued. At the same time, US forces began stepped-up intelligence and surveillance operations over northern Nigeria to identify militant camps. Nigerian officials also increased engagement with Washington, according to US media reports. The timing followed a renewed wave of violence, including a suspected suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri days earlier.
How Has Nigeria Responded To US Strikes?
Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed the strikes were carried out in coordination with Abuja and stressed that the action respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.
“Terrorist violence in any form- whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities- remains an affront to Nigeria’s values," the ministry said, adding that civilian protection remained central to counterterrorism efforts.
Could More US Strikes Follow?
Donald Trump has indicated that the Nigeria operation may not be a one-off. In his Christmas Day post, he warned that additional strikes could follow if attacks continue.
Location :
Delhi, India, India
First Published:
December 26, 2025, 23:15 IST
News world US Strikes ISIS In Nigeria: Why Trump Acted Now And What Happens Next
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