The United States carried out airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwest Nigeria, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, signalling a forceful escalation.
Trump said the strikes were ordered to halt what he described as brutal attacks by ISIS militants, mainly against Christian communities.
Writing on Truth Social, he said the operation was intended as punishment and a warning after earlier threats to respond decisively.
He praised what he called flawless military execution, claiming the United States alone could deliver such precision and power.
US Africa Command later confirmed the strikes, saying they were conducted at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State.
AFRICOM said several ISIS fighters were killed, framing the operation as part of broader efforts to counter terrorist threats.
The command added that the strikes underscored America’s commitment to confronting extremism both overseas and at home.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the message, saying attacks on Christians in Nigeria must end without hesitation.
He thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation, as Christmas passed under the shadow of warplanes and resolve.